Coach Gilford has worked tirelessly over the past couple of years to help BYU prepare for its move into the Big 12 Conference. He has improved the overall depth of his position group and worked to identify student-athletes that are prepared to compete academically at BYU and athletically in the Big 12. His efforts have led to increased overall speed, size and depth of the corners and defensive backs in the program.
Through 10 games, BYU is currently tied for tenth in the FBS in interceptions (12) and 18th in turnovers gained (18). The majority (8) of the interceptions have come from BYU’s corners. Jakob Robinson is No. 12 in the nation with 4 picks and has been named the Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week twice (Sept. 30 and Oct. 25). Robinson is currently a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award. Eddie Heckard ranks No. 31 with 3 interceptions and has also caused two fumbles. Kamden Garrett, the Cougars’ other corner has 1 interception. The trio has also accounted for 13 pass breakups and two touchdowns—a pick six and a fumble recovery for a score.
