Inside Linebackers
- Krys Barnes, 6-1, 235, Jr.
- Tyree Thompson, 6-2, 235, R-Jr.
- Jayce Smalley, 6-0, 225, R-Fr.
- Donovan Williams, 5-10, 215, R-Fr.
Krys Barnes is going to show Bruins fans exactly what he is made of. Last season he was forced into action because of injuries and that resulted in some growing pains. Yet there were several notable plays that Barnes was able to produce and as the season went on, he became a lot more comfortable in his role.
Last season, Barnes only played in 10 games but was 7th in the team in total tackles with 50. He was a bit statuesque at times (though one can blame the old regime for this), but was quite active in the middle of the field. That should only improve with Azzinaro and Pellum guiding him.
Like Anderson, Tyree Thompson will be starting his first season with UCLA football. He also started in the spring as a JUCO transfer and came in with the attitude that he had something to prove. Thompson showed that he could read the offense and quickly react. Those skills will only help him to master the ILB position and should help him see a lot of time on the field this fall.