UCLA Football: How the Defense Goes From Good to Elite
By Todd Reeves
How The Defense Can Become Elite, Part 3
Stopping the run is only one way for the UCLA defense to become elite, because the pass defense will get tested all year with the likes of Texas A&M, Arizona, Cal, and Washington State all on the schedule.
UCLA Bruins
Cornerback has been a soft spot in the UCLA defense for years but this could change in 2016. Head Coach Jim Mora has said for years that Fabian Moreau has the talent to become a first round NFL draft pick.
This is the year Moreau needs to play like it by locking down the opponent’s number one receiver. He missed all of spring because he’s still recovering from the foot injury that cost him most of the 2015 season. However, he is expected to be a full go when fall camp opens and he needs to hit the ground running come August.
There are three Bruins that could potentially start on the opposite side of Moreau, but the person with the most potential is Nathan Meadors. The sophomore from San Bernardino played really well in the spring and could turn out to be a mainstay in the Bruins’ secondary.
The safety position is in good hands as well. Under Mora, the UCLA safeties have been one of the most physical and hard hitting groups in the country. Experience won’t be a problem either with two seniors and a junior helping man the back line of the defense. Tahaan Goodman had a tremendous spring and will need to become an all-conference performer this season. If Randall Goforth and Jaleel Wadood can avoid the injury bug that bit the Bruins last year, this secondary could rival any school in the nation.
Next: How The Defense Can Become Elite, Part 4