Go Joe Bruin
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UCLA Football: Bruins release a depth chart for the season opener

By Mike Regalado

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA's new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA's new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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Defense

  • RE: Rick Wade, Otito Ogbonnia
  • NT: Chizogie Nnoruka, Atonio Mafi
  • LE: Martin Andrus, Tyler Manoa
  • ROLB: Keisean Lucier-South, Mique Juarez
  • ILB: Krys Barnes, Leni Toailoa
  • ILB: Tyree Thompson, Bo Calvert
  • OLB: Jaelan Phillips, Odua Isibor
  • RCB: Nate Meadors, Elijah Gates
  • FS: Quentin Lake, Stephan Blaylock
  • SS: Adarius Pickett, Elisha Guidry
  • RCB: Darnay Holmes, Jay Shaw

The defensive lineup seems pretty standard. Those that have closely monitored UCLA football, including Go Joe Bruin, have projected very similar depth charts, with a few exceptions. The biggest change comes at inside linebacker where first-year Bruin, JUCO transfer Tyree Thompson, takes over for Josh Woods who injured his knee a few weeks ago and is out for the season. The rest of the linebackers were as predicted, with Phillips and KLS at OLB while Barnes handles the other ILB position.

The defensive line was a big question as several players have been shuffled in and out of first and second teams practices. What also doesn’t help is the fact that Osa Odighizuwa and Moses Robinson-Carr have been suspended for the season opener, giving three freshman backup duties behind Wade, Nnoruka, and Andrus. Still, there will be a lot of consistency with Wade, Nnoruka, and Andrus.

The secondary was also pretty predictable as Meadors, Holmes, and Pickett are expected to retain their starting positions. Lake comes in taking over for Jaleel Wadood from last season. But just like the DL, the DBs will be backup up by freshmen (true and redshirt).