Kyle Van Noy

Classroom

Van Noy showed his dedication to education by citing graduating from BYU as one of the main reasons for forgoing the 2013 NFL Draft and coming back for his senior season. Van Noy expects to graduate in December 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

Character

When linebackers coach Kelly Poppinga was absent from practice to be with his wife for the birth of his daughter, Van Noy naturally transitioned into the linebackers coach for the day. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall said he did so “without missing a beat.” After what many consider one of the best defensive performances of the bowl season in 2012, many assumed Van Noy would enter the NFL draft where millions of dollars probably waited for him. However, Van Noy defied the odds and returned for his senior year to finish what he started at BYU, alongside his teammates, who he refers to as family. Teammates praise Van Noy for his team-first mentality. Quarterback Taysom Hill said, “He loves the team, he loves the camaraderie that comes with being a BYU football player. He’s unselfish. All this praise, and all these accolades he gets, he would prefer it be for the team or the defensive squad, and not so much him.” In order to meet BYU’s Honor Code, Van Noy delayed his enrollment for a year his freshman year. Even with high-ranked schools across the country vying to sway him away, Van Noy stayed committed to BYU. Van Noy is a distinguished leader and role model to the team.

Community

Van Noy is a respected leader on and off the football field with a strong desire to serve others. On his own initiative, Van Noy spent two years volunteering weekly at a local elementary school, helping with PE classes and crafts. He also taught a weekly Sunday School class to children through a church group. He participates in various service activities to assist people in the community in which he lives to provide a positive example. An influential speaker, Van Noy has had a positive impact on thousands of youth and their parents as a featured speaker at functions for youth. He also participates in Thursday’s Heroes, a program that invites individuals in the community that are struggling with a disability to BYU football practices. Van Noy is always the last person to leave events because of his willingness to stay and sign autographs for young fans. He is a great role model who can always be counted on.

Competition

A 2013 All-America candidate, Van Noy was named to the following 2013 watch lists: Walter Camp Player of the Year, Butkus Award, Rotary Lombardi Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy. He is also a 2013 Phil Steele Preseason All-America First Team honoree. Van Noy capped off a successful junior year with what many considered the best defensive performance of the bowl season and was named to the CBSSports.com, ESPN and USA Today All-Bowl teams after recording 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two touchdowns, one interception for a 17-yard TD return, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. He was named the 2012 National Defensive Player of the Year and Linebacker of the Year by College Football Performance Awards, along with receiving All-America honors from multiple organizations. Van Noy has recorded a stat in every major defensive category the last two seasons: tackle, tackle for loss, sack, interception, pass breakup, quarterback hurry, fumble recovery, forced fumble, blocked kick and touchdown (the only FBS Division I player to do so). Van Noy is the active NCAA leader in career sacks, No. 2 in forced fumbles and No. 3 in tackles for loss. Paul Myerberg of USA Today Sports said of Van Noy, “Senior Kyle Van Noy might be the best player in college football – not the best weak side linebacker, nor the best linebacker, but the best all-around player currently in the FBS.”