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UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Linebackers

By Mike Regalado

Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown celebrates with linebacker Cameron Judge (4) after an interception in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown celebrates with linebacker Cameron Judge (4) after an interception in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Brady White (2) is tackled by UCLA Bruins linebacker Kenny Young (42) in the fourth quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. White would leave the game with an injury on the tackle. The Sun Devils defeated the Bruins 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Brady White (2) is tackled by UCLA Bruins linebacker Kenny Young (42) in the fourth quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. White would leave the game with an injury on the tackle. The Sun Devils defeated the Bruins 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential 2017 Depth Chart

OLB: Josh Woods, Leni Toailoa

ILB: Kenny Young, Lokeni Toailoa

OLB: Breland Brandt, Krys Barnes

What’s Working?

The Kenny Young coming out party is quite possibly the best thing for UCLA. Young became a dependable LB as the season progressed and his leadership will be needed next season.

The Bruins also have several young players that have the raw talent to help elevate the linebackers next season, the only question is, “how well will they develop?”

Unfortunately, there is not much else going on. Unless the Bruins several key recruits or transfers, the LB corps will be pretty thin.

What Needs to Improve?

Consistency. On the offense and the defense. The fact that UCLA’s offense could not generate anything was a death sentence to the defense, especially late in the season. As good as the defense was collectively, it was always in trouble due to the offense.

LB Coach Scott White also has to get the current LBs developed before next season. If they also do not thicken up their depth, we could possibly see some position swapping in the off-season. That or more nickel formations next season.

The bottom line is that there are going to be a lot of question with not only the LBs, but the entire defense as Takkarist McKinley, Eddie Vanderdoes, Deon Hollins, Tahaan Goodman, Randall Goforth, Marcus Rios and Fabian Moreau all moving on.

Next: Takk, EV Projected 1st Round Draft Picks

Unless something significant happens, the defense could have a down year next season. With the Bruins still looking for an offensive coordinator, it does not look good for 2017.