Defensive Backs
- CB: Elijah Gates, Patrick Jolly, Rayshad Williams
- S: Quentin Lake, Elisha Guidry, Kenny Churchwell, William Nimmo
- S: Stephen Blaylock, Mo Osling, Carl Jones
- CB: Darnay Holmes, Jay Shaw, Sharmar Martin, Shea Pitts
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The UCLA DBs did not have an awful 2018 season, but they were picked on a lot. Part of that had to do with the fact that the Bruins’ lack of a pass rush put more pressure on the secondary which had to help in both the running and passing defense.
Luckily, the Bruins have talent. The DBs were one of the few consistent strengths of the Jim Mora era, and it has bled into Kelly’s time in Westwood.
The star of the show is Darnay Holmes who brings an aggressive, hard-hitting style to the corners. He should be backed up by Jay Shaw who has come into his own as of late and should see plenty of time on the field next fall.
On the other side, Elijah Gates should start, but he will be pushed by Patrick Jolly who is looking to prove something after a year with an injury. During the Spring Game, he was the most active and reactive defensive player, especially will defending the air.
At safety, Quentin Lake will get the start after a productive 2018 season and 2019 Spring. He continues to impress and will have the defensive backfield on lockdown. He should be paired up with Stephen Blaylock who also had an eye-opening Spring. Both will be backed up with a rotation of Elisha Guidry, Kenny Churchwell, and Mo Osling.