Go Joe Bruin continues to look project the depth charts for the UCLA Football team as we examine the linebackers.
The start of the the season for the UCLA Football team always brings such promise. With the linebackers, the Bruins have been able to start each of that last three seasons with one players that everyone knew was going to be “The Man”.
In 2013, it was Anthony Barr. In 2014 it was Eric Kendricks. To start last season, everyone could not wait to see what Myles Jack could do.
Though Jack had three really good games that culminated with a game-saving interception as time wound down against BYU in Week 3, the UCLA’s stud had his college football career ended in practice in the following week. Jack injured his knee, was out for the season and abruptly left the program to prepare for the NFL.
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But all of that is in the past. We now look to the future of what has recently been dubbed “Linebacker U”.
After last season, Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley wanted to make adjustments to the defense and started to implement the 4-3, a formation he is more comfortable in. The plan is to make this adjustment so that the Bruins can stop the run (they were 8th in the conference last year in run defense). UCLA’s linebackers can help with all the talent they have, the only problem is depth, which could be an issue this season.
UCLA Bruins
Weak side Linebackers
Jayon Brown, 5’11”, 220 lbs.,, Sr.
Cameron Judge, 6’1″, 230 lbs., Sr.
Breland Brandt, 6’5″, 230 lbs., Fr.
Middle Linebackers
Kenny Young, 6’1″, 235 lbs., Jr.
Isaako Savaiinaea, 6’2″, 250 lbs., Sr.
Lokeni Toailoa, 6’2″, 240 lbs., Fr.
Willie Green, 6’2″, 235 lbs., R-Sr.
Strong side Linebackers
Josh Woods, 6’2″, 220 lbs., So.
Mique Juarez, 6’2″, 230 lbs., Fr.
Krys Barnes,6’2″, 225 lbs., Fr.
Next: Linebacker Breakdown
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.
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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
A Whole Lot of Talented Youth
The UCLA Football did very well recruiting this past signing day and landed four linebackers, which is good for both now and the future.
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The highlight of the 2016 class was Juarez whose talents have been compared to Jack. Unfortunately, we did not see a lot of him in spring as he suffered a neck injury and was held out of most practices. Bruin fans will really get the feel of what he can do in fall.
Brandt also enrolled early with juarez and also suffered an injury. He was also limited in practice due to suffering a concussion. He is expected to fully participate in fall and barring another injury, could be a big contributor and a solid backup.
Toailoa was another easily enrollee and was able to take in all of spring. With his talents (which surprised many) and that experience, he should be prepared for fall and if necessary could be called upon as a backup.
Barnes is the only Bruin we have not yet seen in UCLA apparel. That changes today when fall camp starts. He is a smart, agile player that could see time early, strictly due to depth, so he will also be quickly introduced to the Bruin life style.
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In all, UCLA has some good linebackers, it is just a matter of getting them all on the same page and keeping them healthy. If the Bruin coaches can bring together their LBs, UCLA should be a lot more secure in this unit this season.