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UCLA Football: Inside Linebacker Position Preview

By Jason Kinander

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 29: Carl Jones #35 of the UCLA Bruins in action on defense during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated UCLA 24-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 29: Carl Jones #35 of the UCLA Bruins in action on defense during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated UCLA 24-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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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 inside linebacker position.

While UCLA Football’s outside linebacking group is a group filled with potential and experience, their inside linebackers are among the most inexperienced and raw units on the entire roster.

The two projected starters at inside linebacker are a pair of rising sophomores. The big name of the duo is Carl Jones, who played everywhere last season, appearing in all 12 games of his true freshman season. Jones recorded several tackles and a sack, showing serious athleticism after moving from safety in the fall.

Jones still has plenty of room to grow, but his emergence this season will be a major storyline for the Bruins defense. Jones is the most athletic player on the defensive side of the field for UCLA and his versatility will be of use for the Bruins.

Starting alongside Jones will be Bo Calvert, a former four-star recruit. Last season, Calvert played in just one game due to injury. He’ll have a fresh slate in 2020, and if he can stay healthy, it will be interesting to see if he can regain his form as a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school.

Next. UCLA Football OLB Preview. dark

Jones and Calvert bring two opposite skillsets to the table, but both have the potential to compliment each other in their first full seasons starting alonside one another. If they can stay healthy and active, the Bruins might have found their linebacking core for the future.