LINEBACKERS
OLB: Keisean Lucier-South (R-Sr), Bo Calvert (R-Fr), Hayden Harris (Fr)
ILB: Krys Barnes (Sr), Lokeni Toailoa (Sr), John Ward (Fr), Leni Toailoa (R-Jr)
ILB: Josh Woods (R-Sr), Tyree Thompson (R-Sr), Je’Vari Anderson (R-Jr)
EDGE: Odua Isibor (R-So), Elijah Wade (So), Mique Juarez (R-Jr)
UCLA was only able to bring in two linebackers during this recent National Signing Day (and four total in the last two classes) which is not great, especially when you consider the Bruins have lost five LBs since Kelly took over.
Still, they have enough to put forth a solid group of linebackers next fall. One thing that will help the LBs in 2019 is staying healthy. Despite the lack of recruiting, the Bruins were also bitten by the injury bug which really put them at a disadvantage.
So with everything at 100% (knock on wood), UCLA has pretty good depth and experience at linebacker. The return of Josh Woods is going to give the Bruins an extra punch after he missed 2018 due to injury and with the emergence of Krys Barnes, the middle of the field will be in good hands.
The Bruins also have ironman Keisean Lucier-South minding the outside. That is three seniors starting and experience they have not had in a while.
UCLA also has Lokeni Toailoa and Tyree Thompson who proved that they are more than just role players. If anything, they will be competing for a starting spot in fall.
The big question is, “who is going to start at the edge position?” The Bruins lost their best pass rusher as Jaelan Phillips has left the program. Odua Isibor did a valiant job on the rush, but UCLA needs a few more. Who will step up behind him?
Also, keep in mind, UCLA has five senior LBs. They are gone after next season. If Kelly does not land several recruits for 2020, they are going to be very thin. Again.