With UCLA Football’s season on the horizon, it is time to take a look at each position for the Bruins. Up next is the defensive end position.
UCLA Football’s defense found a way to step up as the season progressed in 2019, growing from a lackluster group to a strength at times as the season went on.
In 2020, the Bruins’ defense will be tasked with even more responsibility, as the Pac-12 will be missing several starting quarterbacks from last season, giving the Bruins the opportunity to make a run in 2020.
The defensive production starts up front, primarily with the defensive ends.
The Bruins will run out a pair of players with experience at the end positions, led by Osa Odighizuwa. Odigihizuwa was the Bruins’ leader up front last season, recording a combined 46 tackles and four sacks as a starter. Odigihizuwa will look to build on those numbers and become a force among the top defenders in the Pac-12.
Aside him will be Tyler Manoa, a redshirt junior. Manoa will step into a starting role after coming off the bench last season to make a combined 20 tackles. With Odigihizuwa leading the way up front, Manoa will have the opportunity to put up bigger numbers with less attention given to him by opposing offensive lines.
The Bruins will need to take a step up from last seasons streaky production from their defense, but the talent is there, and the two guys up front will be the tone-settors for the defense in 2020.