UCLA Football Spring Practice: The Progress With Two Weeks Down and Two To Go

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UCLA Football Spring PracticePhoto Credit: Mike Regalado /

DEFENSE

And what about the defense? There was a subtle change from last season as the Bruins are evolving from a 3-4 defense, to a 4-3. But really, the only subtlety is that they are properly defining the defense as a 4-3.

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Last season, the Bruins essentially allowed an outside linebacker to start on the line. Though they added to the defensive front, they still had their assignment as LBs. In this altered system, the outside player will have new assignments with the line.

This year, the Bruins will work with two defensive ends, a nose tackle and a defensive tackle. One of the main reasons for this is to improve the porous rushing defense from last season.

The point here is to put more guys in the line to plug gaps in the middle and limit the runs to the outside. But like everything that makes changes, it is not perfect, but there are a few bright spots.

Defensive Standout Players

Takkarist McKinley – Takk is looking stronger and smarter playing on the edge. He looks to be blossoming in the 4–3 defense which is a good early sign for the D-line.

Keisean Lucier-South – Almost out of nowhere (fans of recruiting know exactly what Lucier-South was able to do), this defensive end looks to be almost Anthony Barr-like as a quick outside rusher.

Nick Terry – Terry is at JC transfer that has looked very good thus far in Spring Practice. He’s able to plug gaps and has even shown that he can bust though the offensive line. His development should be closely watched through the fall.

Jaleel Wadood/Randall Goforth – Both of these defensive backs look strong as they return to lead the top secondary in the Pac-12. Both have displayed consistent and aggressive play against the passing offense.

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