Raider Damuni, a veteran safety for BYU, was carried off the field during the Cougars’ season‑opener against Utah Tech after suffering a leg injury that left him unable to bear any weight.
Although the severity of the injury remains under review, Damuni took to social media to assure fans that the setback would not end his season, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and acknowledging that he would miss portions of his senior year while trusting in God’s plan.
Depth Chart Shifts Amid Injury
Entering his fourth year with the program, Damuni has been one of the most experienced members of Kelly Poppinga’s defense, providing leadership and consistency on a unit that is preparing for pivotal conference matchups against Arizona and TCU. His absence represents a notable blow to a defense that relies heavily on veteran presence.
Redshirt sophomore Tommy Prassas, who had previously struggled with an injury sustained against Colorado, has returned to his natural safety position and logged 13 snaps in the opener, positioning himself as a leading candidate to step into the starting role. BYU is expected to unveil the updated depth chart as early as Monday, potentially naming Prassas the starter.
True freshman Kennan Pula, a four‑star recruit who shone during fall camp, is also in the mix to replace Damuni. While his talent is unquestioned, the challenge of facing a senior quarterback such as Noah Fifita adds another layer of complexity to his potential transition into the starting lineup.