Aiden Gobaira will help the Bruins pass rush rate

UCLA has some help on the way on the defensive line. They landed former James Madison defensive lineman Aiden Gobaira as the portal opened up. He should provide the Bruins with some pass rushing ability. As they ranked as one of the worst teams in the nation, creating pressure on the quarterback. This led to only four interceptions for the whole team the entire year. It was known to be a big focus on Bob Chesney and staff to get this corrected.

Gobaira had four sacks last season for Chesney’s Dukes. With Chesney and Colin Hitschler now with UCLA, they are dipping into what they know. The players that helped take them to a playoff appearance this past season. Gobaira has good size at 6’5 and 254 pounds. He finished this past season as Third Team All-Sun belt. Immediately providing the Bruins with more talent as they rebuild the trenches and build their identity with a new coaching staff.

Gobaira is also able to get into the backfield and make tackles. He had 7.5 tackles for loss this last season. Coming out of high school he was a four-star recruit that went to Notre Dame. After spending three years there. With him being injured he transferred to James Madison with two years of eligibility left. PFF college had him as the number one edge rusher with an 85.0 grade against the run this past season.

This was a tremendous get for the UCLA Bruins. He has the familiarity with Chesney and Hitschler and should hit the ground running. The Bruins need to create more pressure on the quarterback this season. It will help create turnovers and not leave their defensive backs on an island. Gobaira will do just that and he could see his sack total increase if his game continues to grow.