UCLA Football Spring Preview: Linebackers

While Spring Football started this morning, we still have two position groups left to take a look at. One of those groups are the linebackers.

The linebackers are the most talented group for the Bruins yet.

On top of the returning group of linebackers, this year's recruiting class signed the best LB group in nation in my opinion n 5* Mique Juarez and 4*s Lokeni Toailoa and Krys Barns who were all Scout Top 200 players.

It is sad to see Myles Jack leaving so early. He was only a true Junior. He is a freak of nature and he will be missed.

Last year, the defense, in general, was bad as DC Tom Bradley and the other coaches tried to plug the holes following the loss of Myles Jack, Eddie Vanderdoes and Fabian Moreau. The upside is that some of our younger guys like Jayon Brown and Isaako Savaiinaea got meaningful snaps.

Our defense, in general, and our linebackers, in particular, should be better this year as a result of that.

The team is also losing Aaron Wallace and Kene Orjioke, who gave up his final year of eligibility and will graduate in June.

On the roster

Cameron Judge	6-1	230	Sr.
Jayon Brown	6-0	220	Sr.
Deon Hollins	6-0	230	Sr.
Isaako Savaiinaea	6-2	250	Sr.
Kenny Young	6-1	235	Jr.
Dwight Williams	6-0	205	RSo.
Cameron Griffin	6-3	235	RSo.
Josh Woods	6-3	215	So.
Keisean Lucier-South	6-4	215	RFr.
Mique Juarez	6-2	235	Fr.
Lokeni Toailoa	6-1	215	Fr.
Krys Barnes	6-2	215	Fr.

Projected Depth Chart

Inside

1. Isaako Savaiinaea (SR)

2. Kenny Young (JR)

3. Lokeni Toailoa (FR)

4. Krys Barnes (FR)

Strong-side

1. Deon Hollins (SR)

2. Cameron Judge (SR)

3. Mique Juarez (FR)

4. Breland Brandt (FR)

Weak-side

1. Jayon Brown (SR)

2. Keisean Lucier-South (RS FR)

3. Josh Woods (SO)

4. Dwight Williams (RS SO)

Conclusion

This is a group to keep an eye on. Part of the reason is because of the expected switch to playing more of a 4-3 defense as compared to the 3-4 which has been played in past years. If that proves to be the case, you can expect to see some of these guys play more as part of the defensive line than as linebackers.

Of course, that could shake up the projected depth chart a little, but that's one of the things Spring Football is for.

Go Bruins!