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UCLA Football: Projecting the Depth Chart – Linebackers

By Mike Regalado

Oct 22, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Khalfani Muhammad (29) runs against UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the first quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Khalfani Muhammad (29) runs against UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the first quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who Will Start?

Though last season was a bit rough, several players got some much needed experience and a few of them thrived because of it. Brown, Young and Savaiinaea all had really big seasons in 2015 and will be called upon to lead in 2016.

Related Story: The Emergence of Jayon Brown as a Star

For only playing in 12 games (out of 13) and getting 9 starts, Brown had imposed his will with the defense and became UCLA’s leading tackler last season with 93 total (57 solo, 36 assisted). Brown did as best of a job as he could filling in for Jack and it looks it can payoff even more in 2016.

Young was one of the few constants with the LBs all season. Playing in all 13 games (and starting 12), Young was really coming into his own last season as he seemed to finally find his place with the defense and should battle Savaiinaea for the starting spot.

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Savainnaea will also help anchor the linebackers as he proved to be a very steady and consistent player. He only played in nine games with three starts, but had the fifth most tackles of all returning defensemen from last year.

The tough decision for the UCLA coaches will be finding the best fit. Will they use all three players to start or will others emerge to solidify the LBs?

That is something to keep a close eye on as several young players will have a chance to prove themselves this season. One of those is Woods who was thrown in to action last season because of all the injuries to the Bruins. He only played in one game and then got injured himself but in spring he looked confident and determined to improve his game, so much that he could get the starting spot on the strong side.

Judge was healthy for most of last season, but was not as effective as he could be. He showed some progress in the spring, but will really be watched this fall. With depth being an issue, the Bruins need Judge to step in 2016.

Next: Depth and Youth