Four UCLA Football players have been named to the ESPN All-Pac-12 preseason team and all of them are on defense.
You know them, you love them and now they are on the ESPN All-Pac-12 preseason team! That is right folks, four of some of the toughest defensive players in conference are straight out of UCLA Football as Myles Jack, Kenny Clark, Ishmael Adams and Fabian Moreau have been named to ESPN’s list.
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It is no doubt that the Bruins will have a spectacular defense this year as they return 9 starters from 2014. The Bruins will also take a step up with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Tom Bradley. In addition to that, they have depth and are riddled with talented young players that will soon make their own mark on UCLA Football.
The anchor in the defense will be Jack who takes on the Herculian task of replacing the Bruin’s all-time leading tackler Eric Kendricks. With Jack taking on the Mike LB spot, the Bruins should be well structured from the inside out.
In the trenches, Clark (along with counterpart Eddie Vanderdoes) will wreck havoc against opposing O-lines. Clark is strong and surprisingly fast for a player of his size. Mix that in with his ability to run over players and you have a guaranteed threat up front.
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Ishmael Adams (1) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Adams and Moreau were expected to do big things last season and did well for themselves, but the pressure seems get to them later in the year. Do not expect a repeat of that in 2015, especially with Bradley leading the defense. Both Adams and Moreau have looked very good in spring practice and fall camp so expect a big year from them.
The only qualm I have against this list is the fact that the Pac-12’s leading rusher from last year, Paul Perkins, is not on this list. It is nice that Utah’s Devontae Booker and Oregon’s Royce Freeman got the vote, but to exclude the work horse of the conference is a bit of a shocker.
Perkins is a redshirt freshmen that has looked just as good in fall camp as he did last season. Trust me when I say that Perkins is going to once again surprise the conference as well as the nation!
Regardless, Paul Perkins is #1 in my heart. Go Bruins!
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