BYU Cougars

Defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki thrilled to coach for childhood team

Published Jan. 11, 2016 9:39 a.m. ET

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Becoming BYU's defensive coordinator sounds like a dream come true for Ilaisa Tuiaki.

“I had thoughts about walking on but I just wasn’t good enough to play here,” Tuiaki said with a grin during interviews on Tuesday.

Tuiaki is a bit like the other coaches in the sense that he always wanted to play on BYU. He was a running back, but honest enough with is own ability to know that he didn't have the skill to play in Provo. 

That doesn't mean he lacks a strong football mind.

“I grew up a BYU guy,” Tuiaki said. “My dad went to school here and played rugby. I grew up right across the street. I grew up here and I’ve always been a BYU guy. Life takes you different places but I’m really excited to be back. I’ve followed the team through all of the many years when I’ve been playing, in high school and college.”

The hometown kid is looking to make his friends and family proud with this new opportunity.

(h/t Daily Herald)

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