UCLA Linebackers: Explosive Starters But Depth Is A Concern
by Nestor on Aug 14, 2009 4:00 AM PDT
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We finished up looking through the offense last weekend. So time to shift the focus over to the defensive side, which many are expecting to be the strength of our football team. I will start by looking through the LB corps in this post. It's a position that features one of the key leaders of the football team along with some talented sidekicks, but has questions concerning depths.
Obviously the story at LB corps begins with MLB 6-1 240 pound Reggie Carter. He is the heart and soul of our defense if not the entire team. He is going to anchor our defense from Mike position which is his natural position. He did spend a little time at Sam during his career at UCLA however his physical attributes and overall understanding of the game makes him a natural fit at MLB. In other words he is the perfect heir apparent of Christian Taylor except he happens to be lot more athletic. The key for Reggie (knock on wood here) is going to be staying healthy.
He got banged up a little this past season and still finished with a team leading 83 tackles. Of course Reggie's signature moment at UCLA came during 13-9 game when he owned Booty at the Rose Bowl all afternoon long. I haven't seen the kind of swagger in a Bruin LB as I see in Reggie since the days of Donnie Edwards. We cannot afford to lose him this year if we want to make a charge into the post-season. Reggie could potentially have a memorable season if his team-mates can also step up with him. More on them after the jump.
[T]he player who may catch eyes this season is the other guy: Akeem Ayers, who started three games last season.
"Akeem’s problem wasn’t his play, it was that he didn’t always know where he was supposed to be," Carter said. "That’s changed. I don’t have to tell him where to be as much. He knows what he is supposed to do and doesn’t second-guess himself."
Ayers’ raw ability was obvious. Chasing Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli down from behind last season made that clear. He also has the size (6 feet 4, 252 pounds) to battle offensive linemen.
Akeem is a weapon. Pure and simple. He can go after RBs and TEs like a heat seeking missile. And after the weigh he has put during this off-season he is going to be absolutely lethal if he shows the same type of explosive ability in terms of speed, he has shown his last two years at UCLA. He is simply an amazing athlete and if he comes in this year, a little more polished with a better understanding of UCLA's defensive scheme (which is not going to be changed up much), he could be effective. I also think his speed is going to be key when UCLA will be facing Pac-10 teams with explosive athletes such as Best, Massoli or Rogers. He is the kind of LB who can provide the answer for an embattled DC looking to solve probelms posed by spread types of offense seen at the college game.
Rounding up the trip at Will LB is Kyle Bosworth who hopefully will have a great senior season at UCLA. From Sam at All-Pac-10 blog:
Joining Carter as a starter will be fellow senior Kyle Bosworth. Bosworth will occupy the weakside at linebacker once again, after an injury forced him to miss most of the 2008 season. Bosworth sprained his knee against BYU last season after playing in just two games, and was granted a substitute year of eligibility as a result.
At 6-1 234 pounds, Bosworth is an extremely physical presence at weakside linebacker, and like Carter he plays with steadfast aggression. In 2007, Bosworth finished 5th on the team with 74 tackles and four tackles for loss.
He plays much faster than his forty-time suggests (4.70), and is rarely caught out of position. The Plano (TX) native will look to wreak havoc on opposing offenses alongside his brother Korey (defensive end). Bosworth enters fall camp in good health, and has a firm grasp on a starting role in 2009.
Here is to Kyle staying healthy. The problem for UCLA right now is depth. In terms of starters we probably have as good as combination at LB as anyone else in the conference. However, after we go beyond that first unit we have questions. Right now Steve Sloan and Sean Westgate are primed for the reserve spots. From Sam Saig's rundown linked above:
The 6-4 231 pound Sloan was able to take advantage of playing time after Boswroth went down, starting nine of 12 games and finishing with 29 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Sloan played inside last season, and will therefore be the main backup for Carter.
The Campbell (CA) native played linebacker at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, making 143 tackles during his senior year. Rivals and Scout.com rated him as a 4-star prospect and he will be the future at middle linebacker for the Bruins once Carter is gone. He enters fall camp as one of the top reserves for UCLA.
The 5-11 205 pound Westgate wasted no time making an impact at UCLA, picking up a blocked punt and returning it for a TD in the season opener against Tennessee. He went on to appear in all 12 games as a true freshman, making 18 tackles on the season. Westgate does not have the size of the other linebackers, but he is a fierce competitor that plays with a high motor. The Oak Park (CA) native enters fall as the main backup to Bosworth on the weakside.
Both of them are capable backsups and were steady last season. However, the dropoff following the first trio is obvious. In addition to those two we Donovan Carter, Patrick Larimore, and junior Mike Schmitt in the depth chart who might be able to contribute this season.
In terms of true freshman we could see Todd Golper, who seems healthy following an injury plagued senior year in high school, getting some action this year. We could also see Isaiah Bowen (6-3, 220) from Bishop Amat getting some action as well. However, we are not going to have Taniela Maka (academics) and Jared Koster (sports hernia) on the team this fall who won't be ready to join till Winter quarter.
So, the key for this unit will be health. We need to hope and pray that our starters stay healthy this year. They certainly have the potential to make this a memorable year for our defense and the team. However, we are going to need them fresh and on the field throuhout the season. That of course again brings us back to our offense. If our offensive line can help the team play lot more ball control this season, it will keep our guys on defense, especually these studs at LBs fresh and ready to terrorize offenses every chance they get.
GO BRUINS.
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nestor...
you need to clean up your grammar man. I’m not trying to be a jerk, but things like this should be revised thoroughly.
“I will start by looking through the LB corps which although features one of the key leaders of the football team along with some talented sidekicks, it also has questions concerning depths.”
We realize you aren’t a staff writer for a newspaper like Dohn or Chris Foster, but these are very elemental errors that hurt the outside perception of the blog.
Here is a clear example of what I mean…
“And after the weigh he has put during this off-season he is going to be absolutely lethal if he shows the same type of explosive ability in terms of speed, he has shown his last two years at UCLA.”
The correct way to say this would be…
“And with the weight he has put on during the offseason he is going to be absolutely lethal, assuming he shows the same explosive ability he put on display last year. His speed at the position has been unmatched in his last two years in the program.”
Obviously I added in my own words, but only out of necessity. You need to re-read your sentences to ensure that others will be able to understand them. The other bruinsnation members and I have no problems with slang like “he owned Booty”. However, when it come to sections like the above, attention to detail would be greatly appreciated.
Despite my many criticisms I must say that I truly do love your contributions and look forward to many of them in the future.
Thanks, Bruins4L
On behalf of all who write
let me note only that it is much easier to edit than create.
I give free passes to all who write here, with a few exceptions, mainly in the area of the use of slang. Language is supposed to be a common ground, and when slang is used, it doesn’t aid in the communication process if that slang is not universally known. For example, the guys on DRaysBay have started using the slang acronym “LOOGY.” I don’t think it means the same thing as a “loogie” from my high school days (which my sister insists, albeit incorrectly, is really called a “lunger,” but I digress. The point is that Nestor’s slang seems to me to be universally understood. My main gripe now is the phrase “hate on” which is simply gibberish, in my opinion. I have reluctantly conceded that the word “Nimrod” is a disparaging term, even though if you do a bit of research you’ll find that “Nimrod” was a great warrior and hunter, and having his name invoked in your direction should be deemed a great compliment. I have also conceded that the word “tool” is also a bad thing, even though for many millenia, a “tool” was an inherently good thing.
You know, there ought to be a grammar and syntax blog. Hey Nestor, want to start another blog?
LOOGY
I believe that LOOGY means “Lefty, one-out guy”. The creator of the term clearly doesn’t think the concept of a lefty one-out guy is as useful as its constant deployment by managers would suggest.
I agree with the concept, but not the acronym
Lefty one-out guy should be “LOOG,” not “LOOGY.” I thought it was something like “Lefty one-out guy yesterday” or something like that. One problem I had was that DRaysBay uses almost all acronyms, and has long strings of comments trying to be wittier than the one before, so the context is sometimes anything but clear. Anyway, I guess that’s the risk you run with an acronym, as I learned from people asking what CTS and CHP mean. I think I am as guilty as the next guy, and I will try to curb my use of acronyms. However, I will still use UCLA to refer to my alma mater.
Once past the acronym, I heartily agree with the concept, mainly because the Rays LOOGY’s are more often than not LOBGY’s (lefty one-batter guys) because the Ray’s LOOGY’s don’t deliver that little thing which we lawyers sometimes describe as an “out.” From my perspective, the problem with lefty one out guys is that there is a reason why they’re one out guys, and the reason is generally that the league hits about 333 off them. So they will get the lefty out twice, but the third time they will give up a critical game killing hit off their 84 mph fastball* or when they try to fool the batter with their 54 mph curveball which in reality is not very likely to generate anything other than a massive clout. If they were more than one out guys, they would be named C.C. Sabathia or Clayton Kershaw.
- Remember Casey Fossum, who is the worst pitcher I can remember ever seeing, but I’m sure he’s still in the league somewhere because he’s a lefty. And of course, a former Ray.
- The Rays just acquired RJ Swindel, who can be found on YouTube throwing a curve that didn’t break the speed limit, and that’s the 55 mph speed limit. But of course, he’s left handed, so he’s sure to be able to retire the likes of the left hand hitters on the Yankees and the Saaaaawwwwx.
Come on, Fox
How many times can somebody write lefty one-out guy if they spend enough time bashing his existence? LOOGY is almost derisive enough of an acronym to make it even kind of funny when put to good use.
You and Nestor get going on that grammar/syntax blog, and I’ll start an acronym/slang blog. I’d like to have you as guest author playing the wise sage role. Or voice of reason? I’m pretty sure you would note those roles as one in the same
If I posted half as much
as Nestor at half the speed, I’d make twice as many mistakes. Good job N.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left-handed_specialist
: )
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Dude
Let me spell this out for you:
Right now I am typing this from my bbery stuck in the runway in Denver airport.
I have been on the road for last 48 hrs and am not getting home till late sun night.
The stuff are my scrap notes which I put together this morning at 6 am … Before heading out.
I am sorry my quick fire blogging is not up to your standards. If you don’t like it. Don’t come back here and no one is going to miss you for a second. Remember you are not paying me to spoonfeed your Bruin fix.
Lastly, I will try to incoporate your suggestions later tonight if I have time. Other frontpagers are more than welcome to edit my post to fix whatever. Otherwise, deal with it or go somewhere else.
by Nestor on Aug 14, 2009 10:14 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
You are way too nice
Slang words as “&^%@+!” or " @=!_%!" come to mind and would have been in order here. But that is why I enjoy reading this blog, the lack of that verbiage and, above all, the content. Keep on posting and thanks.
Grammar Police?
This is a fan blog and not some ed journal. If you love his posts, stop complaining or start writing your own posts instead of sitting at zero. The work here is excellent and much appreciated.
Bruins 4L
I am one of the biggest grammarians you’ll find, have been since I was a kid. Yet I find it very easy to overlook typos and to discern what was intended if I want to. You should try to do the same thing or else you’ll be left with the much less informative but highly edited articles of the mainstream media.
You are very fortunate (as am I) and should feel (as I do) forever indebted to Nestor and the other front-page posters for providing our Bruin fix on a silver platter every day. They do this for your benefit, in their free time. It’s an incredible service to us all.
Nestor, not that you need me to tell you this, but keep up the excellent work. Bruin 4L, I think this is the point where you apologize to Nestor.
Bruins4L
You better be an english teacher. Nestor’s contributions are huge. Many come here to see what he has to say, day in, day out, and depend on him for information on all that is Bruin sports. He does a fantastic job. Also, I’m sure he’ll be the first to correct his grammar, when and if he finds a mistake.
Grammar and LB depth
First of all, thanks for the post Nestor. Quite frankly, I focus more on the content of BN posts versus the way it’s presented. For a group of die-hard Bruin fans who are maintaining this site out of passion and not pay, you’re doing a damn good job. Now, let’s move on to the meat of your original post.
I think the lack of depth at LB can be a huge problem, especially if one of our starters goes down with an injury. I stated in an earlier post that I’m looking forward to seeing improved play from Sloan, Carter and Larimore. Both Carter and Larimore on paper have added about 20 lbs each since high school. If they are successful products of the Mike Linn summer of conditioning, that could pay off huge dividends for us on the field. The question is how ready they will be to step up come game time.
Hopefully, we’ll have a solid D-line this year that could relieve pressure from our LB’s and allow them to throw some blitz packages. Not to knock on Westgate, but his size seems much better suited for a safety than LB. Granted I’m not a coach, but at 205, he looks a bit undersized to take on a FB who breaks through or a TE that slips out. Just my 2 cents.
I, for one, am looking forward to seeing Ayers have a monster season. He could be one of the stars on the team come the end of the season.
I usually just look
at the timestamp for when it was posted. I’m surprised he functions this well in the morning. Blackberry posts? That’s dedication.
P.S.
“We realize you aren’t a staff writer for a newspaper like Dohn or Chris Foster, but these are very elemental errors that hurt the outside perception of the blog.”
I find that kind of funny when the title of this blog is Bruins Nations: Blog of the Bruins, By the Bruins, For the Bruins. Nestor hasn’t worried about outside perception ever since he single-handedly got Karl something??? fired.
LOL
Exactly. I hope people understand we are not writing here for validation from other sources.
Thanks again for all the kind words everyone. Again, if people are not happy with what I am writing or want to discuss something else, please take the initiative and blog away. I hope people know by now we love highlighting good stuff from everyone. Onward
Anyone else notice
on the Pac-10 page in the latest Sports Illustrated they had Brian Price under players to watch…but had a picture of Akeem Ayers. The name is kind of hard to read on the back of the jersey, but an editor easily could have seen the mistake, especially since the number 40 is very visible.
Ayers
is such a monster now, that I wonder if they just mistook him for a 300lb defensive tackle. He’s the only one I’m concerned about in terms of depth. I think Westgate can replace Bosworth just fine and Sloan can replace Carter, but I don’t know who would do well at Stud Linebacker. Maybe they could move Golper over?
i know this was posted from your blackberry...
but when you have a computer in front of you all I’m asking is that you run your pieces through spell check. It takes very little time and it makes a difference. My intention was not to create animosity, it was only to help out the blog.
Bruins4L
You need to chill. As I said above, I don’t really care how people view BN. Again you need to get through your head that I don’t view myself playing the same role as Chris Foster, Brian Dohn or Jill Painter.
This is just a place where I have fun. I am not writing here to impress peers or senior partners at a law firm. So what goes up there are first drafts written up at FAST speed. Sometimes I will write up posts that I put more time into, sometimes I am just jotting down notes. That’s really it.
If you don’t like that style, tough shit. If you want to see specific kind of posts, WRITE IT UP, but don’t whine about it. I will make that my last point in this thread and I suggest you move on as well.
Brian who?
Who is this Brian guy anyway? There was a rumor about a guy named Brian who was a local sports guy, but I assumed the rumor was just made up because it was attributed to anonymous sources.
Nestor
Dude, you don’t have to explain yourself to this guy. There’s a difference between typos and bad grammar. We take people to task here for bad grammar. Everyone knows you’ve got enough on your plate without having to satisfy Mr. Schlembecker the English teacher over here
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
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