Rodrick Pleasant deserves more respect nationally

Rodrick Pleasant is leading a revamped UCLA Bruins defensive backfield that has been playing great sound coverage over the three-game winning streak they are on. The team is responding to new schemes that Kevin Coyle has put into place, and the defense will now be tested against one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Fernando Mendoza of Indiana. The schedule will not get any easier as they head to play Julian Sayin as well in two weeks for Ohio State. Mendoza and Sayin are Heisman contenders.

UCLA as a whole was not getting much positive attention as they started the season 0-4. But Pleasant never wavered in his approach as he has been one of the best coverage corners in college football. Now with the team winning, people are taking notice, and it is putting a spotlight on him. The respect needs to be louder and continue. As we did not hear much about him when the team was losing.

Pleasant played a key role in shutting down Malik Washington of Maryland who was playing very great football at the quarterback position. UCLA put him in tough spots all night long and with the game on national television. Pleasant was tested multiple times and showed fans what he has to offer and did not disappoint. He has been a menace on pass deflections when quarterbacks do look his way.

As the schedule starts to tighten up, the UCLA pass defense is going to be tested a lot. As they are going to be facing some elite quarterbacks. It will be a good barometer to see how well this defense can hold up. UCLA has the opportunity to turn an 0-4 start into a chance at a bowl game this season. Pleasant plays a large part in that turnaround, and the nation should remember the name as he is playing at an elite level.