Go Joe Bruin continues to project the 2017 depth charts as we now look at one of the more key position groups of the defense, the linebackers.
The way UCLA Football‘s defense is set up, requires them to be thick up front and in the defensive backfield, which means that they might be a little thin in the middle. This translates to the linebackers not being as deep as other position groups, but they do not necessarily need to be.
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Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley likes four guys up front and often plays with a fifth man (nickel back) in the secondary. That allows the Bruins to play three linebackers and it is not uncommon for them the have only two on the field.
Still, the big concern is how they will bounce back from losing a few guys to the NFL and graduation, though success in recruiting and development is making this position unit one of the more exciting to watch in 2017.
Related Story: UCLA fall practice schedule released
Strongside Linebacker Depth Chart
- DeChaun Holiday, #17, 6’2″, 225 lbs., R-So.
- Krys Barnes, #14, 6’2″, 250 lbs., So.
- Mique Juarez, #32, 6’2″, 255 lbs., R-Fr.
- Rayme Johnson, 6’4″, 210 lbs., Fr.
The Bruins lose four key linebackers from last season (leading tackler Jayon Brown, Deon Hollins, Cameron Judge and Isaako Savaiinaea) which means a few younger players have to step up, especially on the outside.
One of the fixes to this problem was bringing the multi-talented DeChaun Holiday from the secondary to the linebacking corps. The Bruins’ secondary is deep, so this is a move UCLA can afford to make, but it will be interesting to see how Holiday adapts to his new position.
Holiday did not play much in 2016, as he was a backup and played on special teams. This season he gets to show off his skills as one of the bigger threats on LB Coach Scott White’s crew. The good thing is, he has a lot of young talent behind him waiting to help out. (Note: Jim Mora said at Pac-12 Media Day that Holiday might be limited or unavailable for fall camp, possibly due to injury.)
Barnes has experience as a middle linebacker, so he can play a few different spots if need be. He only played on special teams last season, but should see the field on defense a lot more behind Holiday.
Juarez needed some personal time last season, but is back and looking to once again make an impact for his team. The former 5-star LB might need some time to get back into game mode, but when he does, the Bruins will have a very deadly weapon on their hands. Johnson was the only LB UCLA brought in last signing day. Though he has talent, he will most likely redshirts.
Middle Linebacker Depth Chart
- Kenny Young, #42, 6’1″, 240 lbs., Sr.
- Lokeni Toailoa, #52, 6’2″, 255 lbs., So.
The big man for the Bruins’ linebacker group will be the man wearing #42 (for the last time in all of UCLA history — Jackie Robinson‘s number will no longer be worn by a UCLA Football player or any UCLA Bruin as it was retired school-wide). Young anchored the LBs last season and was one of the biggest reasons for success on the defensive side of the ball.
In 2016, Young was second on the team in total tackles with 90 (behind Jayon Brown). As a second team All-Pac-12 selection, Young was one of the most versatile players on the team and will continue to be productive this fall. For all intents and purposes, Young has his eyes wide open as he has good vision and can readily see how opponent’s plays develop. Not only is he a big time hitter, he is smart and is good in pursuit.
His backup looks to be one of the talented Toailoa brothers who is starting to develop into an all-around player that will not only thrive in man but also do some special things in coverage. If Lokeni can continue to develop, there is a possibiltiy he will be your main man in the middle in 2018.
Weakside Linebacker Depth Chart
- Josh Woods, #2, 6’2″, 240 lbs., Jr.
- Breland Brandt, #55, 6’4″, 225 lbs., Fr.
- Leni Toailoa, #20, 6’1″, 230 lbs., R-Fr.
- Brandon Burton, #3, 6’0″, 200 lbs., So.
On the other side, Woods looks like he will be called upon to take over on the weakside. He racked up a lot of time on the field last season and even managed to get six starts under his belt.
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Woods is an emerging player that might have slipped under the radar for some Bruins’ fans last season, but what you might have missed was an athlete that is really coming into his own. Woods is not just becoming a physical LB, but also a very heady football player. This season he will build off of his 26 total tackles (1.5 for a loss) as he is paired with Young and Holiday.
Behind him, Woods has a few guys that have little experience, but have a ton of potential. Brandt’s time at UCLA has started with a few injuries. This spring he suffered a concussion, but appears to be ready for fall. He is a very physical player that would be a good backup to Woods.
Leni Toailoa has had a slow start as a Bruin, but his production in spring showed that he is starting to develop and could see decent minutes this fall. Burton is another converted DB, which helps with the LB depth. He saw a little bit of action in 2016, though mostly on special teams.
Potential Starting Linebackers
OLB DeChaun Holiday – MLB Kenny Young – OLB Josh Woods
The UCLA Football team always puts together a tough defense and though the linebackers have few numbers, they are also a group to be feared, especially when Holiday, Young and Woods lead the charge. Though fans might be worried about lack of experience, keep in mind that White has done a good job recruiting and developing his group.
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Stay with Go Joe Bruin as we continue our depth chart projections in the coming weeks. Next time we project the defensive backs.