With UCLA football Spring Training starting in one week, Go Joe Bruin looks at five crucial position battles to keep an eye on.
It is that time of the year, UCLA football fans. Spring is upon us which means that Spring Training is about to start, signaling the commencement of preparations for the 2019 season.
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As the next phase of the Chip Kelly era is set to start, the Bruins will not only need to lay down a game plan for the upcoming season but find the players to execute those duties. With that in mind, Go Joe Bruin looks at five position battles that will be pivotal to the Bruins’ growth.
1. The Edge Rusher
Odua Isibor vs. Elijah Wade vs. Mique Juarez
Let’s face it, UCLA did not have a decent pass rush in 2018 which affected how they defended both the run and the pass. UCLA’s top player in that department was Jaelan Phillips, but his injury-prone career limited him, multiple times, to the UCLA sidelines. Because of that, he decided to medically retire… until he didn’t and is now with Miami.
Regardless, the UCLA defense has to move on, but they also need that vital pass rush. Last year, defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro was trying to instill a highly aggressive form of defense which is predicated on the success of the pass rush. With the coach looking to maintain that philosophy, Azzinaro needs to find one or two players that can fill that void on the edge.
The likely candidates for the Spring are Odua Isibor, Elijah Wade, and Mique Juarez. The only problem is that they combined for 1.5 tackles for a loss and 1.0 sacks. In fact, those stats solely belong to Isibor. That might be troubling considering the Bruins need an effective pass rush but isn’t that what Spring Training is for?
With UCLA afforded this time to work out these kinks, the battle for the EDGE will be an interesting one to follow? Will any of these three players step up or is there a dark horse candidate about to step up and make it his own?