Projecting The Depth Chart: UCLA Defensive Backs
Nov 30, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) is defended by UCLA Bruins cornerback Ishmael Adams (24) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One year ago, the biggest concern going into fall camp was how thin and inexperienced the secondary was. Basically, they were what main called UCLA’s “weakness”. But surprisingly, no one told the UCLA defensive backs as they were one of the tightest groups in the Pac-12 last year. What has made the secondary even better going into the 2014-15 season, is the emergence of several players improving their skills during the spring, which noticeably turned some heads. The consensus now, is that the UCLA DBs are one of the best position groups in the land. Offenses around the country might just have to switch to a running game when they face the Blue and Gold.
Here is the GJB projected depth chart for the UCLA Linebackers:
| UCLA DBs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Corner | Safety | Safety | Right Corner |
| Ishmael Adams | Randall Goforth | Anthony Jefferson | Fabian Moreau |
| Priest Willis | Tyler Foreman | Tahaan Goodman | Adarius Pickett* |
| Justin Combs | Ron Robinson* | Jaleel Wadood* | Librado Barocio |
| Marcus Rios | Michael Carlson | Denzel Fisher* | |
| Erick Zumwalt | John Johnson | ||
| Dylan Luther | Charles Dawson | ||
| Alex Staff |
* incoming freshmen, possible redshirt
The Nickel
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Before we get into the parts, let us quickly get into the system. The last few years, UCLA has been running a 3-4 defense (3 defensive linemen, 4 linebackers, 4 defensive backs). With that, the Bruins also utilized a “Nickel” defense, which basically means using five defensive backs in the scheme (DLs and LBs could stack up 4-2 or 3-3). It has been said that the Bruins could leaning more towards a 4-2-5 defense, or at least use it a lot more in their rotation under first year defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich.
The reason for this was the amount injuries among the defense overall, as well as having a wealth of depth and talent in the secondary that was clearly visible to the Bruin coaches in Spring. When the Bruins do go to the Nickel, in relation to the depth chart above, look for Preist Willis or Tahaan Goodman to step onto the field to add some thickness to the interior.
Primary Air Defense Systems
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins cornerback Fabian Moreau (10) during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
There are four dangerous DBs that could and most likely will start for the Bruins, barring the use of the 3-4. Fabian Moreau and Ishmael Adams will cover the corners, while Anthony Jefferson and Randall Goforth handle the long distance duties at safety. Last season, UCLA only gave up 217.7 yards throughout he air as they were 3rd in the Pac-12 and 40th in the nation, which all of these players had a hand in. All four were in the top 10 of Bruin tacklers, collecting at the least, 51 tackles. As for pick defense, all except Moreau had an interception last year with Adams leading the group with 4 for 52 yards.
As we stated before, Goodman and Willis might be in the mix sooner than later if the Bruins go to a 4-2-5, but if they stay in the 3-4, there should be plenty of game time for them to show their skills. Both are true sophomore who were highly touted recruits that saw a slow emergence last season, but became reliable threats to opposing offenses. This year, we should see more dominance from these two.
Justin Combs, Charles Dawson and Tyler Foreman are the only others that saw playing time last year with Combs having the most experience on field of the three (collected 3 tackles in 3 games). Librado Barocio saw limited game time and played on Special Teams last season. Michael Carlson, Charles Dawson, John Johnson, Dylan Luther, Marcus Rios, Alex Staff and Erick Zumwalt did not see the field last year.
The Young Defenders
The good news is that 3 out of the 4 defensive backs that committed to UCLA last signing day, have already started learning the system. Four-star cornerback Adarius Pickett and 3-star Denzel Fisher and Ron Robinson have all started with the Bruins and are waiting for another highly talented player to get to Westwood. Four-star safety Jaleel Wadood from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA was a huge get for the Bruins and if he and Pickett are as good as people say they are, they just might be helping out in the secondary earlier than expected.
To end, we leave you with the defensive backs roster. Go Bruins!
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