UCLA Football: Post-Signing Day 2-Deep Depth Chart

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Oct 22, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Vic Enwere (23) runs against UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA Football Defense

Defensive End: Takkarist McKinley, Jacob Tuioti- Mariner

Defensive Tackle: Eddie Vanderdoes, Matt Dickerson

Nose Tackle: Eli Ankou, Nick Terry

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker: Deon Hollins, Keisean Lucier-South

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The Bruin defense stocked up on seven d-linemen this past signing day which is a good thing considering the possibility of the Bruin defense playing a stricter version of the 4-3 formation. Though the Bruins have linebackers play the line, the Bruins could have a more pronounced four-man line.

Anchoring the middle is Vanderdoes who returns from a season-ending injury in the first game of 2015. McKinley and Hollins return as the edge rushers and at nose tackle we should see more of Ankou.

Behind them are several young players who should be more comfortable in Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley‘s system as he refines it in his second year with the Bruins.

Inside Linbacker: Jayon Brown, Cameron Judge

Inside Linebacker: Isaako Savaiinaea, Kenny Young

Outside Linebacker: Mique Juarez, Josh Woods

It does not matter if the Bruins go 3-4 or 4-3 because they will essentially have the same set-up with a few subtle changes in the schemes. As for the linebackers, the Bruins had several injuries in this unit last year, but that just meant more time for a few of the younger players that really stepped up their game.

Two of the biggest surprises were Brown and Savaiinaea who did a fantastic job in the middle of the defense. The Bruins also get some Myles Jack-like skills with addition of Juarez, who could very well start Game 1.

Nickelback: Ishmael Adams, John Johnson

Cornerback: John Johnson, Fabian Moreau

Safety: Jaleel Wadood, Adarius Pickett

Safety: Randall Goforth, Tahaan Goodman

Cornerback: Marcus Rios, Nathan Meadors

The Bruins bring back a lot of players and a lot of experience. The trouble the UCLA defensive coaches are going to have is figuring out which are the four or five most qualified to handle these spots, especially depending on the formation of the defensive line and the linebackers.

The deep ball should be well covered with Wadood and Goforth at the safety spots. The corners and nickelback spots could see all of the above listed players above heavily cycled in, but just like everything on this list, it is most likely going to be switched up more often than not.

Note – There are twelve positions here to show all of the possibilities and possible changes in Bradley’s system.

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