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UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Defensive Line

By Ashley Tellier

Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers at the line against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers at the line against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers at the line against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers at the line against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Go Joe Bruin continues the position group analysis of the UCLA Football team post-2016 as we now examine the defensive line heading into 2017.

The UCLA Football 2016 season began with so much promise. But before we knew it, the Bruins fell apart before our eyes. And they fell hard… to a 4-8 season.

In a season of disappointing errors, mishaps, and defeats, one of the few shining spots was arguably the defensive line.

An impressive D-line was not entirely a surprise for the season though. Even though the Bruins had lost Kenny Clark to the NFL Draft, UCLA had plenty of seasoned linemen coming back, ready to steal the show.

Related Story: UCLA Football Position Group Analysis: Offensive Line

The State of the Defensive Line

Unlike other position groups, the future of the UCLA Football’s defensive line isn’t dire. In fact, I’ll even argue next year the line could have an even bigger impact than it did this year. Before you dismiss this bold prediction, please hear me out.

This year the defensive line played well. Granted, when almost everything else about UCLA Football was failing, one position group did not need to do much to stand out. Still, the Bruins D-line got it done.

Eddie Vanderdoes was finally healthy after injuries sidelined him in 2015. Although Vanderdoes did not have the exciting season many expected, he still recorded some decent stats with 27 total tackles, including 15 solo.

But, to be realistic, EV’s healthy return was completely overshadowed by the impressive rise of the one and only Takkarist McKinley. The senior was already expected to have a good season, but no one could have really predicted the “Rise of the Takk.”

In his senior season, McKinley recorded 61 total tackles, including 49 solo (yes, you read that correctly!), 18 tackles for a loss, and 3 forced fumbles. Remember that terrible game against California? McKinley tallied 11 total tackles in that game.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, these two greats will not be coming back next season. But UCLA still has some experienced players coming back and some exciting rookie talent to exploit next season.

Key Losses

DE Takkarist McKinley – graduation

DT Eddie Vanderdoes – declared for the NFL draft early

DT Eli Ankou – graduation

DE Deon Hollins – graduation

2017 Recruits

Jaelan Phillips – 5*, Redlands East Valley HS/Redlands, CA, 6’6’’, 250

Greg Rogers – 4*, Arbor View HS/Las Vegas, NV, 6’3”, 305

Cassius Peat – 3*, Pima CC/Tucson, AZ, 6’3”, 258