BYU linebacker Van Noy close to duplicating rare achievement

Last year, Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy had his breakout season. He displayed a wide array of skills and talents as he made plays all over the field. By season’s end, he was the only college football player to have recorded a stat in all the major defensive statistical categories. With a blocked punt against Georgia Tech, Van Noy has nearly duplicated his rare achievement.

Van Noy’s final 2011 stat line reads as follows:

68 tackles
15 tackles for loss
7 sacks
3 interceptions
3 pass break ups
10 quarterback hurries
1 fumble recovery
3 forced fumbles
1 blocked kick

He also added a touchdown on his one fumble recovery.

Through nine games in 2012, all Van Noy lacks is a fumble recovery to hit for the cycle, to borrow a baseball expression, again. His 2012 stats are as follows:

31 tackles
12.5 tackles for loss
7.5 sacks
1 interception
5 pass break ups
8 quarterback hurries
3 forced fumbles
1 blocked kick

Though not considered a defensive stat category, Van Noy has not scored a touchdown this season.

Recovering fumbles is a challenge for Van Noy. He is usually the one forcing the fumble. His only fumble recovery in 2011 was one of the three that he forced. Incidentally, it was also the play Van Noy scored his touchdown.

In 2011, Van Noy had registered a stat in every major defensive category by game eight. While many stats were easy to come by for Van Noy in 2012, it took him eight games just to get an interception, and nine games to block a kick.

Watching to see if Van Noy will get the fumble recovery he needs to repeat his rare accomplishment is one good reason to tune in for the rest of the season.

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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