BYU Cougars

BYU's Fred Warner willing to step into a leadership role

Published Aug. 7, 2015 12:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

By now every BYU football fan knows defense was an issue last year. However, the Cougars are hoping the 2015 season will be much different.

In order for that to happen, a young BYU defense that lacks a heavy senior presence must get leadership from its underclassmen.

Enter Fred Warner, the Cougars 6-3, 220-pound sophomore linebacker, who on media day said he is ready to take on more responsibilities this season.

“I need to be a leader and a playmaker for this defense,” Warner told the Deseret News. “I’ve always been that guy who tries to get guys to follow what I’m doing. It comes naturally to me."

During his freshman year Warner played in 10 games and tallied 24 tackles while returning an interception 20 yards for a touchdown.

Warner was heavily recruited coming out of high school and last season he gave glimpses of why. If he can put it all together, the athletic Warner has potential to be a premium piece of the Cougars defense.

"The biggest thing I took away from last year is confidence,” Warner told the Deseret News. “I think last year I learned about everything it takes to be a starter and a true playmaker. It takes a lot more than just athletic ability and so I really feel I’m ready to take up my play to the next level this year. Now I need to put everything I learned into action.”

(h/t Deseret News)