Newly-minted football independent BYU will begin the first of their 28 scheduled summer camp practices this afternoon, but, when they do so, they’ll do it without a starting member of their defensive line.
The Cougars announced several roster moves Friday ahead of camp, including defensive lineman Matt Putnam being ruled academically ineligible for 2011. The ruling means that, in all likelihood, the senior will miss the entire year.
Putnam started nine of the 13 games in which he played last season, and was expected to be a full-time starter this season.
Additionally, the school announced the return of running back Malosi Te’o. Te’o had left the Cougars in July of last year and transferred to Hawaii. The last time the married 24-year-old played a real game of football? His senior year of high school -- in the fall of 2005.
Oh, and one more roster note: linebacker Va’a Niumatalolo has joined the Cougars as a walk-on. He’s the son of Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo.