UCLA Football: Defensive Back Jalen Ortiz Will Transfer

UCLA Football will be one player short in the secondary this fall as it came out earlier today that defensive back Jalen Ortiz will transfer from the Bruins. The junior out of Peoria, Arizona announced his plans on Twitter this afternoon.

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Ortiz had played in all 13 games during the 2014 season, mostly as a special teams player. On defense he played sparingly as a back-up and recorded 5 tackles (4 solo, 1 assisted).

Going into the fall, that looks like it would have been the case next season as the Bruins are not only deep in the secondary (17 players are listed on the official roster) but also stacked with a lot of youth and talent. That does not even include the five freshman defensive backs coming to Westwood in the Fall.

With all things considered, it looks like Ortiz would have been in the same situation next season, which possibly prompted him to look for playing time elsewhere.

Still, we thank him for the fight he gave every time he put on the blue and gold uniform and did an “8 clap” with the Bruins. To whatever he does in the future, we say good luck!