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UCLA Football: Projecting the Depth Chart – Defensive Line

By Mike Regalado

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Go Joe Bruin takes a look at the defensive side of the ball as we project the depth chart for the UCLA football defensive line.

The UCLA football team wanted to make some changes after finishing last season 8-5 and on a two-game losing streak. The offense had its problems, but the defense was not short of their own systematic issues.

Related Story: UCLA Football: Predicting the Offensive Starters

It was unfortunate that the Bruins had so many injuries on defense, but the good thing to come out of this was that young players got some early experience. The downside is that Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley had to play some vanilla schemes, but that was not enough.

UCLA gave up 198.5 rushing yards per game last season (8th in the Pac-12) as they were constantly pushed back 4.4 yards per play. Something needed to change.

Just like the offense, the defense wanted to bulk up and get a bit more powerful on the line, so after last year, Bradley shifted his defense to a 4-3 to put more players on the line. How it works in a game is yet to be seen, but from what we saw in spring practice, it is looking good. With that, we now look at our projected depth chart for the O-Line and see who will be the players to make a difference.

Defensive End

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

Takkarist McKinley, 6’2″, 250 lbs.,  Sr.

Matt Dickerson, 6’4″, 275 lbs., Jr.

Rick Wade, 6’6″, 255 lbs., R-Fr.

Chigozie Nnoruka, 6’3″, 255 lbs., So.

Defensive Tackle

Eddie Vanderdoes, 6’3″, 305 lbs., R-Jr.

Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, 6’2″, 275 lbs., Jr.

Osa Odighizuwa, 6’3″, 265 lbs., Fr.

Jake Burton, 6’6″, 260 lbs., Fr.

Nose Tackle

Eli Ankou, 6’3″, 305 lbs., R-Sr.

Nick Terry, 6’4″, 295 lbs., R-Jr.

Boss Tagaloa, 6’2″, 295 lb., Fr.

Defensive End

Deon Hollins, 6’0″, 230 lbs., Sr.

Keisean Lucier-South, 6’4″, 215 lbs., R-Fr.

Marcus Moore, 6’3″, 255 lbs., Fr.

Let us start in the middle and work our way out. The biggest addition is the return of Vanderdoes from a season-ending knee injury which he suffered in the first game of 2015. From what we have heard, he is harder, bigger, faster and stronger. Add in determination and the Bruins have a very dangerous DT. Behind him will be Tuioti-Mariner who has also gotten bigger and should give good back up time to EV.

Though Ankou often got pushed around, he quickly acclimated to the starting DT position along side Kenneth Clark last season. In spring he looked a lot more comfortable and confident on the line and hopefully his big body can really cause some fits on the line.

The great thing about the defensive line is they have depth and with so many player gaining experience from last season, the line should be a lot more stable

Odighizuwa, Burton, Tagaloa and Terry are all new to the Bruins, with only Terry (a transfer) practicing in the spring. There is a lot of potential with the freshman, but as it goes, they will need time to mesh with the schemes. Terry on the other hand looked very good in spring and could see a lot of time on the field if he continues to progress.

The defensive ends will be very important this year as they will not only utilize the pass rushing attack, but help contain the run. McKinley, Hollins and Lucier-South will be the main edge rushers and from what we saw in the spring, they are quick of the snap and are stronger than last year. Bruin fans should expect a more aggressive McKinley and Hollins, but also should keep an eye out on the freakishly athletic Lucier-South.

Dickerson and Wade should both get more playing time this season. Dickerson has gotten bigger and playing in all 13 games last season should have him prepared for a backup role on the end.

Nnoruka and Moore are also two new Bruins that will be making their first appearance with UCLA during fall camp. Like Terry, Nnoruka is also a transfer from American River college, so hopefully, like his teammate, he will be able to adapt to the new schemes sooner than later.

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The great thing about the defensive line is they have depth and with so many player gaining experience from last season, the line should be a lot more stable and should be able to stop the run and possibly even improve of getting to the quarterbacks.