UCLA Football: 2018 Depth chart projections – Defensive Backs

Safety

1. Adarius Pickett, 5-11, 198, R-Sr.
2. Octavius Spencer, 5-11, 180, Sr.
3. Keyon Riley, 6-1, 198, R-So.
4. Patrick Jolly, 6-1, 175, Fr.
5. Alex Johnson, 6-0, 170, Fr.

At the other safety spot, the Bruins will have consistency with Adarius Pickett, giving the team three returning starters from 2017. Not only will Pickett bring leadership to this position group, but he was also one of the more active players on the entire defense.

Pickett has the most tackles among all players returning from last season with 85, second to only Kenny Young (who is now playing for the Baltimore Ravens). Among those were four tackles for a loss, so he will not only be able to handle the responsibilities of the defensive backfield but will be able to get behind the line and disrupt the offense.

Octavius Spencer is another player that has a lot of experience under his belt. Though it was thought that he would get the starting spot at the other safety position, he will definitely bring solidarity to the DBs as a backup.

The same goes for Keyon Riley, who, although young, knows how to work with his fellow DBs. But because of depth, it is hard to tell if he will get playing time. Last year he only played in two games so if he is expecting more, he will have to show the new coaches that he is worth being put in. The same goes for freshman Patrick Jolly, who is also quite talented, but might be buried in the depth chart.