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UCLA Football: The top candidates to be taken in the 2019 NFL Draft

By Mike Regalado

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Vic Wharton III
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Vic Wharton III /

Keisean Lucier-South, LB

If Lucier-South is a name you do not recognize, first off, what’s wrong with you? And second, you will. The Bruin defense was bruised and beaten last season, especially among the linebackers. When EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips went down with an ankle injury, KLS filled in nicely.

The good news about KLS is that he has been able to adapt to every situation and position he has been put in. He originally started out as a defensive end, then moved to a more dominant pass rushing position, but this season will put in some work as an outside linebacker.  Though he will not be the primary rusher on the strong side, he has the tools to get in the backfield, though he will be a expected to remain in coverage.

The good thing about this is that he looks well suited to handle the duties of the OLB. He is quick, athletic, long and is developing some great field vision. Last season he accumulated 53 total tackles (5th on the team), 5.5 that went for a loss (3rd) and added one sack, two pass break ups, one QB hurry and one forced fumble… and that was on a defense that was not able to do much.

With the direction the new coaches want to go, this could be a very exciting season for KLS, one that will get him a lot of attention come draft time.