Linebacker Jack Kelly has committed to the BYU football program, bringing a decorated defensive resume from Weber State University to the Cougars. The move follows Kelly's successful three-season tenure with the Wildcats, during which he established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the Big Sky Conference.
High School Background and Versatility
Kelly, a native of Kearns, Utah, joins the BYU roster as a highly-rated transfer. According to BYU Athletics, the linebacker earned a four-star transfer rating from 247Sports. Before his collegiate football career, Kelly was an all-state performer at Kearns High School, where he earned 6A second-team honors as a senior in 2020.
During his time in high school, Kelly was a versatile athlete, recording 59 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions over his career. He also contributed significantly on offense, totaling 66 receptions for 1,299 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Dominant Conference Performance
Kelly's collegiate career at Weber State was marked by significant defensive production and conference-wide recognition. In 2023, his sophomore season, he was named a first-team All-Big Sky selection. During that campaign, he played in all 11 games and led the entire Big Sky Conference with 10.5 sacks, a figure that ranked fourth in the nation.
In addition to his sack production, Kelly's 2023 season saw him lead the Big Sky with four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His defensive impact was further highlighted by a season featuring 56 total tackles, including 12.0 tackles for loss, an interception, four quarterback hurries, five pass breakups, and a recorded safety.
Career Statistics and Rankings
The linebacker's statistical impact at Weber State extends across his entire tenure in Ogden. Across 28 career games with the Wildcats, Kelly recorded a total of 85 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks. His ability to disrupt plays was evidenced by five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.
Kelly's efficiency on the field is reflected in his historical standing within the Weber State program. He finished his career ranked eighth in school history in career sacks and ninth in forced fumbles. His ability to penetrate the backfield was a hallmark of his play, including a season in which he recorded at least two tackles for loss in each of his final four games.
Coaching Connection
The recruitment of Kelly was bolstered by existing connections within the BYU coaching staff. BYU Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the addition, noting his familiarity with the linebacker's skill set from his time coaching at Weber State.
"I know Jack very well. I coached him when I was at Weber State," Hill said. "He's really one of the most dynamic FCS players in the country. We're lucky to get him. It's fun to have him back. I know what he can do. I've seen him up close, in-person."
Impact on Weber State Success
Kelly's arrival at BYU follows a highly successful period for the Weber State program. During his redshirt freshman season in 2022, Kelly played in all 13 games, helping the Wildcats achieve a 10-win season and a trip to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
In that 2022 season, Kelly recorded 28 total tackles, including 16 solo and 12 assisted tackles. He also contributed eight tackles for loss and six sacks, ranking fifth in the Big Sky Conference in sacks. His ability to impact the game in high-stakes situations was demonstrated by recording two tackles for loss, including one sack, during the Wildcats' playoff victory over North Dakota.
Recruitment and Future Outlook
Before his transfer to BYU, Kelly was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of Kearns High School. He was recruited by several programs, including Utah State, Air Force, New Mexico, Army, Nevada, and Montana State.
Kelly, who is majoring in Finance at Weber State, will bring his 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame to the BYU defensive unit as the Cougars continue to build their roster.
