60 in 60: #25 BYU’s Ben Bywater (Linebacker)
Aug 2, 2022, 8:58 AM
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ben Bywater (33) celebrates after tackling UAB Blazers running back DeWayne McBride (22) as BYU and UAB play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. UAB won 31-28. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – The countdown for Hans & Scotty’s 60 in 60 is on. Coming in at #25 is BYU’s Ben Bywater (LB).
Throughout the summer Hans & Scotty are counting down the top 60 college football players in the state of Utah as voted on by the media (and a fan ballot).
“Ben is a next-level linebacker,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said of his linebacker. “He made tons of plays for us last year, filling in for some of the injuries that we had. But has taken another step in owning it and being one of the guys that we can count on. Big time leader for us. Has every ability to be a wonderful and fantastic linebacker and can be one of the best.”
#25 in our 60in60 BYU LB Ben Bywater! 102 tackles in a single freaking season! That’s a career number for some great LBs. pic.twitter.com/mxtJZVreRC
— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) August 1, 2022
BYU’s Ben Bywater
Bywater is a sophomore from Salt Lake City, Utah. He prepped at Olympus High School where he was named Region 6 MVP in 2016, while playing both running back and linebacker. As a senior, Bywater recorded 95 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. he also played rugby in high school. Coming out of Olympus, Bywater was recruited by Stanford, Washington, Utah, Arizona State and Washington State.
After serving a two-year church mission in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Bywater joined BYU in 2019. As a freshman, Bywater played three games, recording eight tackles. During the 2020 season, Bywater appeared in three games, posting seven tackles. This past season, he played in all 13 games, finishing with 102 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one quarterback hit.
Bywater and the Cougars open their 2022 schedule on the road against the USF Bulls on September 3.
About the 60 in 60
Every summer Hans and Scotty reveal the best college football players in the state of Utah in their annual 60 in 60 as voted on by the media.
In 2022, for the first time ever, the 60 in 60 included one vote based on a fan ballot.
