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UCLA vs Texas A&M: A Battle on the Edge

By Michael Chavez

Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

On Saturday the UCLA Football team will face off with the Texas A&M Aggies but there will be another match up that should be monitored. Two highly touted NFL prospects will face off  in Myles Garrett for the Aggies and Conor McDermott for the Bruins.

Garrett was absolutely stellar as a freshman when he first arrived in College Station. There was already talk at that point that if he were eligible he would have been a top ten pick.

Related Story: Go Joe Bruin Predicts UCLA vs Texas A&M

Blessed with a surplus of athletic ability to go along with his 6’5″, 265lbs frame, Garrett is an absolute freak. He doesn’t just win with speed either as he translates his weight room strength to the field.

That type of player sounds like a nightmare for any coach to have to deal with but the Bruins might just have the answer in left tackle Connor McDermott.

In a story line that is becoming more and more common, McDermott came to UCLA as a tight end prospect but grew into a tackle which helps explain the effortless athleticism he displays in pass protection. At 6-9 he has a huge wingspan that he uses to corral speedy rushers and has worked to improve his strength.

Now let’s really break down this matchup by dissecting each player’s game from one contest last season.

Next: Garrett is Geared Up