UCLA Football: How the Defense Goes From Good to Elite
By Todd Reeves
How The Defense Can Become Elite, Part 2
The defensive line wasn’t the only factor when it came to the poor run defense, the linebackers (partly because of injuries), also struggled at times. This year every linebacker not named Myles Jack returns and another year of playing in Tom Bradley’s system could do wonders for the defense.
On the outside Jayon Brown was arguably the best player on the field for the Bruins in spring practice while Josh Woods showed that he has the potential to be one of the best linebackers in the conference.
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Even early enrollee freshman Lokeni Toailoa showed that he could contribute this year. And we haven’t even mentioned 5-star recruit Mique Juarez who was slowed in the spring with a concussion but could be a big part of the defense in the fall.
With the outside looking well fortified, the Bruins need the middle to be shored up by either Kenny Young or Isaako Savaiinaea. Both got plenty of work with the first team in the spring and although both showed they could play well, neither snatched the starting position away from the other. One of them has to become a team leader and someone that can become an anchor in the middle of the defense.
Next: How The Defense Can Become Elite, Part 3