PROVO — BYU's newest addition to the offensive line has gained a lot of experience since serving a two-year mission in the Philippines for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. None of it has been easy, but he is grateful for everything that has brought him to where he is today.
BYU announced Monday the addition of Austin Roosa, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound transfer from Southern Utah University. He held offers from Baylor, Boise State, and Houston, among others, before deciding to transfer to BYU.
Leusa's path to BYU wasn't typical, but now that she's arrived at Provo, she couldn't be more grateful for the challenges she's faced and the opportunities in front of her.
“It's definitely been a process, but I'm so honored and blessed to be a part of BYU. I'm just excited to get started,” Leausa said in an interview on ESPN 960.
late bloomer
Leusa attended West Jordan High School and played football, rugby, and baseball during his middle and high school years. Prior to that, he played various sports such as swimming, golf, and tennis. This was because he had versatile athletic abilities that helped him develop and pursue the Gridthlon.
After making a breakthrough of sorts during his senior season at West Jordan, Leausa had the opportunity to play football at Southern Utah State after completing his mission in the church.
Leusa had to sit out the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic before successfully completing the 2021 season, where he played in both the spring and fall. A big reason for his successful freshman campaign was his large frame, which grew at least three inches in length during his mission.
But life comes quickly. The birth of her daughter forced Leausa to make her difficult decision.
“I thought it was time to hang up my cleats and finish playing soccer,” Leusa said. “But after the 2021 season and talking with the coaches for 2022, I ended up in the (transfer) portal and ended up going to Utah State.”
Leusa didn't say much about the 2022 season in Utah, saying only that “it didn't work out the way I wanted it to” not only for himself but more importantly for his young family.
At the time, leaving football again was an option for Leausa, but he soon received strong encouragement from former teammates to return to Southern Utah and restart his football career.
“I have some friends at SUU who are still on the team and they asked me if I would consider coming back,” Leausa said. “I told them I would love to come back if the coaching staff would allow it. They took some time to think it over and then gave me a chance to come back.”
Leausa has been a huge part of Southern Utah's success and has garnered a lot of interest right after the 2023 season.
“Last year I had a good year, starting all 11 games and fulfilling my childhood dream of playing Power Five football,” Leusa said.
Why BYU?
The offer for Leusa's services came soon after he entered the transfer portal. He and his young family, including his two then-young daughters, were surprised by both the amount of interest he showed and the breakneck speed of the recruiting process.
Reusa said it was rare, if ever, for her to receive calls from prospective suitors at the college level and not receive calls for three days in a row.
“It was definitely pretty crazy for me because I never expected a big school like that to reach out to me,” Leusa said, “but at the end of the day, I know what I bring to the table and after talking to coaches from all the different schools, it was an opportunity for me to take a step back and realize the potential I have. It was a very humbling experience.”
Leusa ultimately turned to three potential suitors. BYU, Boise State, Baylor.
“What my wife and I did was pick a couple of schools that we thought would benefit us on and off the field,” Leusa said. “As soon as I talked to BYU and Coach (TJ) Woods, they did a great job of not only helping me as a football player, but what steps to take to help my family. It was given to me.”
The Leausa family received home visits from both Baylor State and Boise State prior to their official visit to BYU. During his trip, Leausa developed good relationships with players such as Caleb Etienne, Connor Paye, and Joe Brown, but most importantly, he gained trust and appreciation for BYU's new offensive lineman, TJ Woods. was obtained.
“What impressed me about Coach Woods was that he was very direct,” Leausa said. “He's not going to tell it like it is. He's going to tell it like it is and I really think that's a big stepping stone for me. … And his track record speaks for itself. He's inspired a lot of people ( (He sent him to the NFL). ”
set to compete
Like most transfer portal additions, Leusa is expected to compete for a starting spot right away, with the left guard position likely to be filled.
“They're definitely leaning towards guard, but if the coaching staff wants me to play tackle, I'll do it for them,” said Reusa, who played the tackle position in high school. . “Anything I can do to help the team win, that’s what I’ll do.”
As for what he will contribute, the amount of interest he has received while in the transfer portal speaks volumes about his ability to contribute to the success of the BYU offensive line.
“They're going to find players who really want to work and want to work for the team,” Reusa said. “I feel like I'm very versatile and I can pick up on things quickly. … I like playing soccer, I like playing north-south. When it comes to the field, I just like getting dirty and dirty. I like.” “
Leusa plans to major in political science with the primary goal of pursuing a career in the NFL. If his NFL career didn't work out, he would likely choose to become a firefighter, and he said, “I think that's the best way to help people.”
Mr. Kudol's conclusion is as follows.
Aaron Roderick said late in spring ball that BYU's coaching staff would add two, maybe even three, offensive linemen through the transfer portal. This is a required position. This is a position that needs more proven depth, and Reausa provides just that.
Brayden Keim, Etienne, Paye and Waylin Lapuajo are all starters expected to return next season and fill four of the five spots on the offensive line. Austin Reusa will very likely be the Cougars' fifth starter at right guard when the team begins the 2024 season.
Consider Leausa's credentials.
- He is an experienced college player who proved to be very skilled as Southern Utah's starting guard last season. Those who reviewed footage of him when BYU played SUU last season saw the Cougars' edge rushers and linemen disrupting most of what was thrown at him.
- Leusa is familiar with BYU's offensive system, having operated in much the same system during his time at SUU. Other Thunderbirds who transferred to BYU on the offensive side of the ball were able to move up the depth chart more easily because of their advantage in understanding offensive calls and the overall system.
But before attacking Reusa for the open right guard position, consider the competition.
Both Sonny Maxini and Brown acquitted themselves admirably in practice sessions this spring. Brown just returned from a two-year stint, was frequently mentioned as a standout by the Cougars' coaching staff, and will likely take an even bigger leap forward in the fall. Makisini has also been well received.
All three should have healthy and productive competition for the starting spot this fall, which is exactly what you want at any position. Legitimate competition greatly increases the level of play and concentration for everyone involved, and the addition of Leusa to the competition at right guard is a great addition to the competition at right guard, even if he doesn't end up earning a starting spot. It will only serve to strengthen the overall play of the position.
