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UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Defensive Backs

By Mike Regalado

Sep 17, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett (6) and defensive back Jaleel Wadood (2) celebrate after a hit in the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett (6) and defensive back Jaleel Wadood (2) celebrate after a hit in the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) is tackled by UCLA Bruins defensive back Nate Meadors (22) during overtime at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) is tackled by UCLA Bruins defensive back Nate Meadors (22) during overtime at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential 2017 Depth Chart

CB: Nate Meadors, Denzel Fisher

S: Adarius Pickett, Brandon Burton

S: Jaleel Wadood, DeChaun Holiday

CB: John Johnson, Will Lockett

NB: Octavius Spencer

What’s Working?

The coaching, development, execution… it all seems to be working for the Bruins. In the time Mora has been in charge at UCLA, there has not been a drop off with any of these issues.

The secondary is the most prepared and most developed group on this squad. UCLA has done a fine job recruiting, evaluating, developing talent and having this position ready for their opponents each and every week.

The anchor of the secondary, Jaleel Wadood, is a guy that has been a force for UCLA since his freshman year and having him return for his senior season is going to be a good thing, especially with all-around DB go-to guy Goforth moving on. Expect Pickett and Meadors to continue to develop as well.

What Needs to Improve?

There are a few things the Bruins have to work with in this department. Even though the DB Coach Demetrice Martin has done a fantastic job of elevating level of play of his group, there were a few players that still need time to develop. Having several talented players on the team is great, but if they are not on the same page, it could be messy.

The Bruins also have to evaluate the secondary in the grand scheme of the defense. Though the DBs were good at defending the air, they often stumbled when helping the run game.

On more than one occasion an opposing running back would break through the defensive line and get into the next level. The unsuspecting DBs would not be able to get to them because of bad attacking angles or being out of position which resulted in an abundance of rushing yards for they opponent.

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Still, this is the best position group on the Bruins and they will remain so in the coming years. UCLA may have a lot of worries in their future but the secondary is not one of them.