IRVING, Texas — BYU defensive end Tyler Batty was recognized today as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in leading BYU to 38-31 win over Arkansas in Fayetteville on Saturday.
The Cougar defensive captain from Payson, Utah, had a career high nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss of 10 yards and 1.5 sacks in BYU’s 38-31 win over Arkansas. He also forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter and recovered another fumble with just 3:49 to play in the game to end a Razorback drive and help BYU hold on for the road victory at Arkansas.
Batty, a 6-5, 270-pound junior, was named to the prestigious Allstate AFCA Good Works Team last week by the American Football Coaches Association and Allstate. He was also previously selected to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth Team prior to the 2023 football season and is on the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy for a second consecutive season.
Three games into the 2023 season, Batty is second on the team in tackles with 17 and leads the Cougars or is tied for the lead in tackles for loss (3.5), sacks (2.5), quarterback hurries (3), forced fumbles (1) and recovered fumbles (1).
As a sophomore in 2022, Batty started 12 games for BYU, finishing the season as the team's fifth-leading tackler with 52, including 29 solo. As a freshman in 2021, he was named to the Pro Football Network All-Independent Second Team Defense after leading the Cougars in sacks with 3.5 and finishing fourth in tackles with 43, including 23 solo.
In addition to his success on the field, Batty has been involved in a variety of community service endeavors. He founded and operates Edward’s Hands, a non-profit organization that provides equine therapy for children with autism, which provides a powerful bonding experience with their parents.
Batty also volunteers with Kids On The Move, an ABA therapy program in Utah County, and works closely with the BYU Built4Life program that develops student-athletes through a variety of professional experiences with a focus on service within the community.
Additionally, Batty assists with the True Blue Hero program run by the BYU football program and served a two-year volunteer service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malaga and Madrid Spain from 2017-19.