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UCLA Football: Conor McDermott Is Staying For His Senior Season

By Mike Regalado

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the mass exodus of UCLA Football players that are leaving early for the NFL Draft, the Bruins got a sigh of relief as LT Conor McDermott is returning for his final season.

Things have been a little unsettled for the UCLA Football team lately with several underclassmen declaring for the NFL Draft, especially on the offensive line. Though it is a fantastic opportunity for these individuals, it does make the Bruins a bit thin at some spots.

Fortunately, the Bruins got some good news today as redshirt junior left tackle Conor McDermott made it known via Twitter that he was retuning for his senior season with the Bruins.

McDermott has been an essential part of the O-line the last 1 1/2 seasons. Coming in midway through 2014, McDermott’s presence was immediately felt. As Matt Joye of The Daily Bruin points out, UCLA’s sacks allowed has decreased from 3.7 per game without McDermott to 1.5 with him.

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

In 2014, UCLA gave up 40 sacks. Last season, The Bruins only allowed 14. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you Conor McDermott!!!

With McDermott returning, there is still the issue of replacing three Bruins from 2015: Jake Brendel (graduation), Caleb Benenoch (NFL Draft) and Alex Redmond (NFL Draft).

Scott Quessenberry will return from surgery and could take over at center, now that Fred Ulu-Perry has left the program. Kenny Lacy will also return at left guard, so his experience will help with continuity.

At the other tackle position, we could see Kolton Miller emerge as a candidate as he spent a significant amount of time on the field this year. Across the line, we could have a proper competition between Zach Bateman, Poasi Moala, Andre James and Tevita Halalilo all battling it out to make the first team.

To help the situation, UCLA has two OLs committed to the 2016 class, OG Mike Alves and OT Alex Akingbulu.

So fear not Bruin fans, there is depth for the offensive line. Though they lack experience, there is a lot of young talent waiting in the wings. Now the question is, what will it take to make the O-line improve?