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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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Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Mount McDermott

McDermott has the benefit of playing plenty of high profile teams in the PAC-12. That also means he gets tested by some of the best pass rushers in the country so his rise to becoming a starter has largely been trial by fire. McDermott has more than passed that test.

Again I watched re-watched multiple UCLA games from last season but decided to focus on perhaps UCLA’s biggest game from 2015 when they took on cross town rival USC.

McDermott again displayed a kick slide that almost looks lackadaisical because it’s so easy for him. He was able to use his length to keep pass rushers at bay and even on the rare occasion when he did overset he was able to shoot one of his vine arms out there to stop the pass rusher in his tracks.

McDermott also did a good job of re-anchoring. That’s something I believe he’s done a much better job of lately but will also need to continue to add strength. He’s still not a dominating run blocker but because he’s so large teams have a hard time getting through him.

He also did a very good job handling stunts and knowing who to pass off and who to expect. The one play I did see him lose badly was a quick move inside by the defensive end on an overset. A move that Garrett thrives on.

Hopefully for the UCLA offense this is something both McDermott and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm have worked to correct

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