Go Joe Bruin continues the position group analysis of the UCLA Football team post-2016 as we now examine the defensive line heading into 2017.
The UCLA Football 2016 season began with so much promise. But before we knew it, the Bruins fell apart before our eyes. And they fell hard… to a 4-8 season.
In a season of disappointing errors, mishaps, and defeats, one of the few shining spots was arguably the defensive line.
An impressive D-line was not entirely a surprise for the season though. Even though the Bruins had lost Kenny Clark to the NFL Draft, UCLA had plenty of seasoned linemen coming back, ready to steal the show.
Related Story: UCLA Football Position Group Analysis: Offensive Line
The State of the Defensive Line
Unlike other position groups, the future of the UCLA Football’s defensive line isn’t dire. In fact, I’ll even argue next year the line could have an even bigger impact than it did this year. Before you dismiss this bold prediction, please hear me out.
This year the defensive line played well. Granted, when almost everything else about UCLA Football was failing, one position group did not need to do much to stand out. Still, the Bruins D-line got it done.
Eddie Vanderdoes was finally healthy after injuries sidelined him in 2015. Although Vanderdoes did not have the exciting season many expected, he still recorded some decent stats with 27 total tackles, including 15 solo.
But, to be realistic, EV’s healthy return was completely overshadowed by the impressive rise of the one and only Takkarist McKinley. The senior was already expected to have a good season, but no one could have really predicted the “Rise of the Takk.”
In his senior season, McKinley recorded 61 total tackles, including 49 solo (yes, you read that correctly!), 18 tackles for a loss, and 3 forced fumbles. Remember that terrible game against California? McKinley tallied 11 total tackles in that game.
Unfortunately for the Bruins, these two greats will not be coming back next season. But UCLA still has some experienced players coming back and some exciting rookie talent to exploit next season.
Key Losses
DE Takkarist McKinley – graduation
DT Eddie Vanderdoes – declared for the NFL draft early
DT Eli Ankou – graduation
DE Deon Hollins – graduation
2017 Recruits
Jaelan Phillips – 5*, Redlands East Valley HS/Redlands, CA, 6’6’’, 250
Greg Rogers – 4*, Arbor View HS/Las Vegas, NV, 6’3”, 305
Cassius Peat – 3*, Pima CC/Tucson, AZ, 6’3”, 258
Potential 2017 Depth Chart
LDE: Jaelan Phillips, Cassius Peat
DT: Boss Tagaloa, Nick Terry
DT: Matt Dickerson, Greg Rogers
RDE: Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, Rick Wade
What’s Working?
Quite a few things are working for the Bruins defensive line, actually.
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The UCLA Football team was second in the Pac-12 in total tackles with 885, tied for second in interceptions with 15, and tied for fourth in sacks with 25.
If I had to attribute these impressive stats to something, it would be to experience. The Bruins D-line was staffed with some athletic juniors and seniors, a luxury other position groups couldn’t count on.
In addition, the explosiveness of Takk McKinley was a sight to behold. Unfortunately, UCLA Football can’t rely on the latter next year as the senior will likely be making some noise in the NFL by then.
Nevertheless, recruiting for the D-line continues to improve, as the Bruins will be adding some high-level talent to their roster, including 5-star recruit Jaelan Phillips.
The experience of Tuioti-Mariner, Dickerson, Tagaloa, plus the addition of Phillips, Rogers, and Peat is why I feel confident the D-line could be even more impressive next year.
What Needs to Improve?
Consistency. Although the Bruins’ defensive line stole the show in many games, it also fell short in some important games… and one in particular comes to mind. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?
Against Utah, the entire Bruins’ defense got overrun like it was nobody’s business. Really, UCLA made a running back who had recently come out of retirement look like a Heisman candidate. It was a game surely we have all made a silent pact to forget.
Next: Takk, EV Projected 1st Round Draft Picks
But comes next season, the D-line should stay as consistent as possible to help a battered UCLA squad do better than 4-8. Otherwise, the Bruins might just be looking at another doomed season under head coach Jim Mora. And we wouldn’t want that to happen to the Bruin Revolution, would we?