UCLA Football: Projecting the 2017 depth chart-defensive backs

To wrap up the defensive side of the our “Projecting the depth chart “series we now turn to the UCLA Football secondary.

Despite losing plenty of talent of talent in the back end of their defense to both graduation and the NFL draft this UCLA Football program still has a bevy of talent in the secondary. There will be new faces and while spots are technically open it seems like the much of the depth has settled.

While Jim Mora doesn’t typically provide depth charts to the public, we here at GJB believe in giving the people what they want.

The Bruins employ a traditional four man defensive backfield with two corners and two safeties. They do however spend a great deal of time in the nickel package. That has become essentially the norm in college football as teams deploy more and more receivers on the field in order to stress defenses. The response? Get more defensive backs onto the field.

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Thus the nickel back position has become a starting position and isn’t just designated to your third CB. It takes a special skillset to play that position and fortunately the Bruins have more than few guys on the team who can do it led by freshman Darnay Holmes.

As I said before the Bruins will have plenty of talent on the field on the field in 2017 but there will be some inexperience on the field as well.

Cornerback Depth Chart

The Bruins don’t typically label their corners as a left or right corner so we won’t either. But we will designate the first group and then look at the second group.

1st Corner Group

1. Nate Meadors, #22, 5’11”, 195lbs., Jr.
2. Darnay Holmes, #1, 5’10”, 190lbs., Fr.
3. Colin Samuel, #10, 6’3″, 205lbs., R-So.

Since seeing the field as a freshman in 2015 Nate Meadors has only gotten better and better. He’s a physical corner in the same mold as former UCLA Football CB Fabian Moreau. He will beat you up at the line and carry receivers downfield with above average speed. He isn’t a blazer but demonstrates solid technique. He will lapse occasionally in his technique and that can lead to some blunders but they are few and far between. I fully expect for him to take another leap in 2017.

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Already receiving plenty of hype and backing it up in practice reports, Darnay Holmes might just be the defensive back answer to outstanding DE freshman Jaelan Phillips. He’s quick enough to slide into the slot but has the physical nature to stick on the outside. His versatility will allow him to see the field early and often.

Colin Samuel is another guy with tons of versatility. He’s a long, lanky corner who thrives when he’s able to use his length. When forced to play off Samuel can have trouble with quick twitch receivers who can use their speed to get free releases. He’s bouncing between safety and corner this Fall but I think he can make a bigger impact at corner. Holmes might be the first corner off the bench but Samuel, IMO should be the next man up if the Bruins are in the nickel.

2nd Corner Depth

1. Denzel Fisher, #25, 6’1″, 175lbs., R-Jr.
2. Keyon Riley, #28, 6’0″, 200lbs., R-Fr.
3. Mo Osling III, #7, 6’2″, 185lbs., Fr.

Denzel Fisher has waited his turn behind talented corners and spent his time as a reserve but this season is his to own. He’s long but thin and despite more than a few years in the strength and conditioning program he’s struggled to put on much weight. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a good player though. His strength is in his ability to turn and run with receivers and then challenge at the point of the catch. While he can play off and in zone, his best work comes when he can press opponents at the line.

Keyon Riley is a guy who also brings versatility to the position but he is a thicker player. His versatility at both safety and corner make him a valuable reserve but expect to see him more on special teams and late in games where the Bruins have a big lead. He’s physical but doesn’t have the speed of a traditional corner.

Mo Osling is the second true freshman on our list but has plenty of upside. He’s another long corner, (sense a theme?) who can play in a zone or man to man defense. His greatest strength is, like many of the UCLA Football DBs, his length. While I’m sure the Bruins would love to be able to red-shirt him, they may be forced to burn it if any injuries occur in the secondary.

Safety Depth Chart

Free Safety

1. Jaleel Wadood, #4, 5’9″, 180lbs., Sr.
2. Octavius Spencer, #18, 5’11”, 180lbs., Jr.

Jaleel Wadood is the old man of this secondary. He’s been roaming the defensive backfield for more than a few years now and despite his smaller frame he’s been a steady force for the Bruins. He’s only logged two interceptions in his career which isn’t optimal for a free safety but he’s rangy, fearless and can drop down to man up on receivers.

Octavius Spencer can play all this secondary. You might see him at SS, FS or CB over the course of 2017. He’s been a part of this team for a few seasons now and gives the Bruins plenty of flexibility. He will likely be buried by the depth on the team at this point but expect to see him as a valuable backup.

Strong Safety Depth Chart

1. Adarius Pickett, #6, 5’11”, 195lbs., R-Jr.
2. Will Lockett, #23, 5’11”, 190lbs., Jr.

Adarius Pickett is a guy I really like in this secondary but has been forced to sit behind more veteran players over the past few seasons. During that time he’s become more nuanced in the position and also become more instinctive. He’s a big hitter and a playmaker in the backend. In my opinion he’s actually a better safety candidate than Wadood but the pair of them give the Bruins a solid duo.

Will Lockett is a guy who’s seen plenty of time in spot duty for the UCLA Football defense and on special teams but has purely been a reserve. He can play both the strong and free safety positions but actually plays the center field free safety position better in my opinion. When Wadood leaves next year Lockett will be the man to take over.

Potential Starting Secondary

CB-Nate Meadors, FS-Jaleel Wadood, SS-Adarius Pickett, CB-Denzel Fisher, NB-Darnay Holmes

Next: UCLA Football: First 2017 top 25 Amway Coaches Poll released

This UCLA Football team should continue to field a very talented secondary and despite some of the inexperience, the Bruins should be able to weather any early storms. DB coach Demetrice Martin has quickly become one of the better positional coaches in college football and most certainly one of the better recruiters. Bruin fans had better enjoy him while they can.