UCLA Football: 5 Takeaways from fall camp 2017

2 of 5

PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Kenny Young /

2. The defense ain’t nuthin’ to [mess] with

I wrote an article a couple days ago about Tom Bradley and his defense and why they are not to be messed with.

They recruit well, they reload and they release their beasts on opposing offenses. Despite losing several players this off-season, Bradley and his coaching staff once again have a group of players that are going to make the Bruins’ defense one of the best in the Pac-12.

The defensive line has been steady, though a freshman has been the one that has stood out. Jaelan Phillips is filling in for the departed Takkarist McKinley on the right end of the line and though he is not as physical as Takk, Phillips is going to turn some heads with his agility and vision.

Things were shaken up with the linebackers, but it turns out that it seems to be working. Kenny Young has been moved to the weak side linebacker position while Lokeni Toailoa is at the MIKE position. Toailoa has steadily been developing into a reliable MLB, while Young’s length has helped him on the side. Josh Woods completes the package on the strong side.

And as for the secondary, when are they ever thin and void of talent? Never, that’s when.

Jaleel Wadood, Nate Meadors and Adarius PIckett (to name a few) are going to make several big plays, but Bruins fans also need to remember the name Darnay Holmes, a freshman that is going to make a big impact in the secondary at corner and nickel.