Alterraun Verner's 2009 season in a great Bruins defense

Alterraun Verner had a 2009 season at UCLA that catapulted him up the draft. Ultimately going in the fourth round to the Tennessee Titans in the 2010 NFL Draft. Verner helped lead a Bruins defense that finished 27th in the nation only giving up 21.2 points per game. This was a huge boost to the team as they finished 94th in the nation scoring only 22 points per game. That is out of 120 teams, so UCLA was a bottom 26 offense in terms of scoring. The defense was the reason the team won seven games under Rick Neuheisel that year.

Verner stood at 5’11 and only 180 pounds but used his instincts and fluidity to shadow receivers. Verner picked off five passes his senior season for 158 return yards and a touchdown. He was also very good in run coverage and tackling as he could drop down in the box and make a play. Totaling five tackles for loss and 72 total tackles as a cornerback is really good and shows his willingness to put his head down and not be bullied on runs. Verner finished the season as a first team All-American capping off his legendary UCLA run.

The Bruins defense was special in coverage that year, as Rahim Moore also had 10 interceptions. Whenever you needed a play, you knew that the defense could get it for you. Brian Price was always creating pressure and had 23.5 tackles for loss on the season. Showing what pressure percentage can do for turnovers and something that the current and future UCLA Bruins need to mirror. If you can get to the quarterback quickly you are going to give your defense backs better chances in coverage. It’s as simple as that.

Verner had a successful career in the NFL, with his best coming in 2013 when he was a second team All-Pro and pro bowler. He had five interceptions that season and returned one for a touchdown. Verner is now the defensive coordinator at Crossroads Christian School in Corona, California. Showing his dedication to the game on and off the field and having an impact.