BYU Has Narrowed in on a Handful of PWO Targets
It's that time of the recruiting calendar where BYU's coaching staff recruits the the final walk-on spots on the roster. Over the last few weeks, BYU's coaching staff has narrowed in on a handful of PWO targets. Here are a few PWO candidates to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.
Scholarships are tight, especially at wide receiver. It appears that BYU is trying to add some players to the future wide receiver pipeline without sacrificing scholarships. Most of the PWO offers have been extended to wide receivers.
La’akea Kalama - ATH
A few weeks ago, BYU wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake offered Skyridge standout La’akea Kalama as a preferred walk-on. La’akea Kalama, a wide receiver who could also play defensive back, is the younger brother of 2022 signee Jarinn Kalama.
La’akea, who is listed at 5'11, is smaller than his older brother who is 6'3. La’akea played slot receiver for the Falcons and he was one of the better route runners in the state. Kalama missed time as a senior due to injury, but he returned in time for the playoffs and he helped lead his team to the 6A state championship game. In the semifinals against American Fork, Kalama had 6 receptions for 83 yards and 3 touchdowns. You can check out his senior highlights below.
Kalama participated in the Polynesian Bowl last weekend where he was a standout performer. If Kalama was taller, he would have multiple FBS scholarships to choose from.
BYU was the first school to offer La’akea as a PWO. He picked up a scholarship offer from Navy early in his recruiting process and he picked up an offer from Weber State a few weeks ago.
Tyler West - WR
Tyler West was one of the fastest and most productive wide receivers in the state last year. He had over 1,300 receiving yards, 21 touchdowns, and he was also dynamic as a kick returner. West led the Crimson Cliffs to a 4A state championship last season. West also stars as a sprinter. He recently clocked a 6.99 60M at an indoor track meet.
West didn't announce that his offer was a PWO spot, but given BYU's scholarship situation and the time of the year, it's probably a safe assumption.
Carson Cox - WR/TE
Ridgeline standout Carson Cox picked up a PWO offer from Fesi Sitake on Monday night. Cox, who has great size at 6'5, could play a variety of positions thanks to his size. If he put on some weight, he could be a good option at tight end.
Cox moves well for his size and he has good hands.
Kobe Brown - WR
Kobe Brown is a small, speedy wide receiver from Louisiana. Brown set a school record with over 1,300 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns this past season.
Brown picked up a PWO offer back in December. Since then, he picked up a scholarship offer from Air Force. BYU can sell the opportunity to play in a Power Five conference, but it might be hard to turn down an FBS scholarship.
Brown is the kind of PWO that could find a way into the rotation if he sticks it out at BYU. His skillset is unlike the receivers that BYU typically recruits, so he could carve out a role for himself.
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