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UCLA Football: Survival of the Defense – Defensive Backs

By Michael Chavez

Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Jaleel Wadood (2) tackles Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Grant Jones (37) after a 6 yard gain in the first quarter of the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Jaleel Wadood (2) tackles Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Grant Jones (37) after a 6 yard gain in the first quarter of the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) and defensive back Octavius Spencer (18) following the 34-16 victory against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) and defensive back Octavius Spencer (18) following the 34-16 victory against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Depth at Defensive Back

UCLA has collected quite the back stock of talent the past few recruiting cycles thanks to Coach Demetrice Martin.

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The Bruins are now in a position where the two deep will be filled with guys who can step in and there be little to no drop off.

Colin Samuel has the length, speed and athleticism to be a top corner in this program but has been unable to put it all together in his time. His development has been slower than I or the coaching staff hoped for.

Keyon Riley would be the fourth corner on this team. His length and physicality make him a natural man corner and he has enough speed to stick with guys. He isn’t a quick twitch guy in my opinion, so if he has to line up in the slot I worry about him versus the shiftier guys.

Octavius Spencer and Will Lockett are two guys that will see some time in dime packages or to spell any of the starting safeties. Both are rangy hitters with some ball skills but neither a starting centerfielder as far as what their ceiling can be. Both will be in the conversation to push for starting spots next year.

Next: UCLA Football: Survival of the Defense-Linebackers

When the freshmen arrive I wouldn’t be surprised to see this two deep get a little bit of a shakeup.