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UCLA Football: Spring practice preview – offense, defense, and special teams

By Mike Regalado

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 26: Chip Kelly the head coach of UCLA Bruins stands on the sideline while playing the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl on October 26, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 26: Chip Kelly the head coach of UCLA Bruins stands on the sideline while playing the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl on October 26, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

Projected Spring Depth Chart

  • CB: Darnay Holmes (Jr), Jay Shaw (R-So), Rayshad Williams (R-Fr)
  • S: Mo Osling (Jr), Elisha Guidry (So)
  • S: Quentin Lake (Jr), Stephen Blaylock (So), Kenny Churchwell (R-Fr)
  • CB: Elijah Gates (R-So), Patrick Jolly (R-Fr)

The secondary should be the most consistent heading in the spring. Thanks to Jim Mora, the defensive backs have always been talented and deep and Chip Kelly gets continued with that assortment of players.

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The one to watch will be Darnay Holmes who should continue to develop and could be the best defender on the team. He has been effective since he first put on the blue and gold uniform and this season could define him as one of the best in the Pac-12. The question here is, “who be helping them on the other side of the field?” With Nate Meadors graduating, it looks like Elijah Gates will claim that spot, though we should see several different cornerbacks cycle through during the spring, especially with a few coming off of injuries.

Quentin Lake is going to be when a player to watch this spring as he not only showed that he has what it takes to play Azzinaro’s aggressive style of defense, but he now has a step up and be a leader. Last season, he was impressive in several games, making key interceptions and breakups for a secondary that often had a hard time stopping the pass.

Next to him will be Mo Osling who quality minutes last season, but he will be pushed for a starting spot. One of the DBs that I expect to take a step forward in his development is Stephan Blaylock who has all the tools to be a hard-hitting pass defender.