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UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Linebackers

By Mike Regalado

Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown celebrates with linebacker Cameron Judge (4) after an interception in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown celebrates with linebacker Cameron Judge (4) after an interception in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Go Joe Bruin continues the position group analysis of the UCLA Football team post-2016 as we now examine the linebackers heading into 2017.

The defense for the UCLA Football in 2016 had an above average year, but not great. This past season, the defense had an overall improvement, especially with the run defense, but other things limited their effectiveness.

The Bruins did have a few stumbles and with the shaky offense keeping the defense on the field more than they should have, it burned out the defense late in games and late in the season.

Though it was disappointing, there were a few things that gives hope for the future, but there are also a lot of questions left unanswered.

Related Story: UCLA Football Position Group Analysis: Linebackers

The State of the Linebackers

The UCLA LBs helped hold down the defense throughout the season. Unfortunately, only two players did the majority of the heavy lifting. Jayon Brown and Kenny Young lead the entire team in tackles with 119 and 90, respectively.

Brown was consistent all season and did a fantastic job in the middle of the field. Young gradually made his mark with the team and had the most sacks among all LBs (5).

The Bruins suffered a bit with the disappearance of Isaako Savaiinaea who was expected to be a major factor but only played in eight games and recorded nine tackles. Unfortunately, him, Brown and Cameron Judge are graduating, which thins out the linebacking corps.

The bigger problem is the fact that, subtracting the seniors, UCLA only has seven linebackers on the current roster. They also have no LB commitments in the 2017 recruiting class. As for Mique Juarez, who knows?

Key Losses

Cameron Judge – graduation

Jayon Brown – graduation

Isaako Savaiinaea – graduation

2017 Recruits

There are no commitments at this time.