Talan Alfrey, BYU’s strong-willed strong safety, is gearing up for his redshirt senior season. With 25 days until kickoff, let’s dive into three fun facts about Alfrey ¹:
– Fact #1: Same Recruiting Class as Zach Wilson: Alfrey was part of the same recruiting class as NFL quarterback Zach Wilson, boasting a three-star rating and an 83 overall rating back in 2018. This distinction highlights Alfrey’s potential and dedication to his craft, especially considering he’s entering his redshirt senior season with a two-year mission behind him.

– Fact #2: Grinder on the Field: Alfrey has demonstrated his ability to adapt and grow within the team. After surprising everyone with his starting role in 2022, where he started nine of 13 games and recorded 41 tackles and an interception, he faced stiff competition in 2024. Despite being named a co-captain, Alfrey started only one of 12 games, showcasing the depth of BYU’s safety position.

– Fact #3: Unique Interests: Alfrey’s player profile reveals some interesting hobbies. Not only does he own a moped named Selina, but he’s also a former pig farmer. These unique interests showcase Alfrey’s personality beyond his football career.

As BYU prepares for the upcoming season, Alfrey’s experience and skills will be crucial. With Raider Damuni, a four-star prospect, and sophomore Tommy Prassis vying for playing time, the competition at strong safety is fierce. However, head coach Kalani Sitake has praised Alfrey as a “complete safety,” indicating the value he brings to the team ².

Alfrey’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He suffered an injury in 2021 that limited his playing time and later mentioned being a step slow in the previous season due to lingering issues. Nevertheless, he’s worked on improving his explosiveness and speed, which will be essential for the Cougars as they face a demanding schedule.

Upcoming Schedule:

– Portland State Vikings vs BYU Cougars: August 31, 2025
– Stanford Cardinal vs BYU Cougars: September 7, 2025

With his determination and BYU’s expectations, Alfrey is poised to make a significant impact this season. As the team counts down the days until kickoff, Alfrey’s performance will be closely watched, both by fans and analysts alike ³.