There is no real way to sugarcoat the fact that UCLA’s defense has a lot of questions going into Fall Camp.

The linebackers are set.  Led by pass rushing OLB Anthony Barr and tackling machine Eric Kendricks inside, UCLA has an abundance of talent at all four linebacker spots.

The questions really begin on the defensive line and secondary, where injuries, eligibility issues, and departures have left some holes.

Defensive Line

On the line, UCLA looked to be returning three seniors to start and a wealth of talent behind all three DL positions.  However, LE Owamagbe Odighizuwa underwent a hip surgery in the offseason and may require another surgery that would wipe out this season.

DT Seali’i Epenesa started all last season, but did not have a good Spring, leaving RE Cassius Marsh as the only sure thing up front.

Thankfully, UCLA has some talent on the squad.  Ellis McCarthy will look to regain his 5* form in his Sophomore season after grinding through injuries last year, and the team still has plenty of depth in  JR Brandon Willis, FR Kylie Fitts, FR Kenneth Clark.  UCLA also got a huge boost when 5* Eddie Vanderdoes was declared eligible.  You can read a more in depth preview of the UCLA defensive line here.

Secondary

While I’m optimistic about the state of the defensive line, I’m worried about the secondary.  UCLA was already replacing two starting corners and the starting SS when FS Tevin McDonald was dismissed from the team during the offseason.  The team also lost reserve corner Marcus Rios due to an ongoing medical issue, and recently suffered another blow when former starting SS Dietrich Riley medically retired following a neck injury that he suffered two years ago.

There is no doubt that there is a lot of talent in the secondary, evidenced by the fact that the two deep is comprised entirely of 4* and 5* players, but there is no starting experience and a lot of true freshman will play significant snaps.  You can read a more in depth preview of the UCLA secondary here.

Running Back

Compared to defensive line and secondary, the questions on offense are minor.  Yes, the team does have to replace UCLA’s all-time leading rusher in Jonathan Franklin, but they will do so by leaning on a committee of backs led by Damien Thigpen (when he returns from injury), Jordan James, Paul Perkins, Malcolm Jones, and incoming freshman Craig Lee.

The group may not be able to match Franklin’s production or pass blocking ability, but I do think they should collectively mitigate the loss of Franklin.  A more in depth preview of the running backs can be found here.

Offensive Line

The offensive line was very young last year, starting three freshman and a sophomore, and will only replace one starter this year.  The line did pave the way for 2,600 rushing yards last year, but also gave up 52 sacks.  Part of that was due to starting a freshman quarterback in a new offense, but part of it was simply because the two freshman tackles were overmatched on occasion.

In the offseason, the staff added a lot of quality incoming freshman to the roster that should push the lineman immediately, and a year of Division 1 level strength training should help with some of the physical issues that the line had last year.  Overall, I think the line is in good shape moving forward, which you can read more about here.

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AHMB of Bruins Nation provided our information on UCLA Question Marks Heading into Fall. For more UCLA  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Bruins Nation on Twitter @BruinNation.

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