UCLA Football: Post spring practice projected 2-deep depth chart

Defensive Backs

CB: Darnay Holmes, Elijah Gates

S: Quentin Lake, Jaylan Shaw

S: Adarius Pickett, Will Lockett

CB: Nate Meadors, Mo Osling III

The secondary lost several key players (Jaleel Wadood – graduation, DeChaun Holiday – left program, Denzel Fisher – left the program) and almost lost Lockett and Octavius Spencer.

Losing three players was a serious blow to the depth of the defensive backs, but losing two more would have had the secondary struggling. One of the few highlights from the Jim Mora era was the DBs who were consistently one of the best groups in the Pac-12 on a yearly basis.

Luckily, they get to hold onto some of that, especially with Pickett, Meadors and Holmes bringing consistency and leadership to the group. Holmes and Meadors could be one of the best corner tandems in the conference as both are very talented and have the experience to go along with it. Their ability to lock down the sides is impeccable so they should continue to terrorize opponent’s passing game.

Pickett is a big hitter and a veteran that the Bruins need at the safety spot. The coaches had a few walk-ons help out because of depth, but having Pickett back their is a huge relief. Lake has come out of nowhere and been a reliable defender in the secondary. He continues to show growth and should help the UCLA DBs continue to be one of the best in the Pac.

Shaw, Gates and Osling could essentially start if it weren’t for the vets in their way, but to have them backing up the secondary is a big gain for Azzinaro.