UCLA Football: You Don’t Know Myles Jack

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) celebrates a play against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA linebacker Myles Jack has become the face of the Bruins. How did he get here? How has he earned that status? So what can we expect from him in 2015?

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Jack came into last season with an incredible amount of hype and media attention. His spectacular play as a linebacker his freshman season along with his dominant games as a running back against Arizona and Washington primed him for superstar status. A lot of folks were licking their chops to see what he’d do as a sophomore. Here’s ESPN’s Kevin Gemmell, being only slightly hyperbolic:

"By the time the 2014 season has come to an end, UCLA’s Myles Jack will have tallied 20 sacks and eight interceptions, run for 25 touchdowns, won a Heisman, a national championship, dropped a Grammy-winning album, rescued 17 kittens from trees, cracked Kryptos and will have single-handedly brought balance to the force. The chosen one, he is."

Gemmell obviously hadn’t heard Bruin fans salivating over Rosen yet.

But the point that Gemmell went on to make – Jack doesn’t measure himself against the media’s rubric for success – is a sound one. Because it’s ridiculous that Jack’s ultimate 2014 statline of 87 tackles (57 solo), seven passes defended (one interception), 113 yards rushing, and three rushing touchdowns is considered to have been a letdown, a disappointment.

Next: Myles Away from Home