Going Camping: Linebackers
UCLA
fall camp is just a few days away, and with that,
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BruinSportsReport.com continues its Going Camping preview with
the linebackers.
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2013 UCLA LINEBACKERS AT A GLANCE
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PRE-CAMP DEPTH CHART
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1. Anthony Barr - 6-5, 255, Senior
Six feet five, 255 pounds, 4.46 40-yard dash after leading the nation
in sacks for a large portion of 2012. Is there really anything more to
say here?
2. Kenny Orjioke - 6-4,
240,
Sophomore
Another one of UCLA's physical specimens, Orjioke came on strong this
spring, showing off a massive, chiseled frame. Still one of the
youngest players on the team, if he eventually finds his ceiling, he
could be an impact player for the Bruins soon.
style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ILB
1. Eric Kendricks -
6-0, 228,
RS Junior
The Pac-12's leading tackler and one of UCLA's best leaders, Kendricks
will be a pillar of the Bruins defense this season.
2. Ryan Hofmeister - 6-0, 222,
RS Junior
Hofmeister had a solid spring filling in for injured ILBs, and will
likely be the backup backer for both Kendricks and Jordan Zumwalt.
style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ILB
1. Jordan Zumwalt -
6-4, 235, Senior
Like Kendricks and Barr, Zumwalt is another returning starter who
should be a big-time producer for UCLA this season. He's a heavy
hitter, he's athletic, and he's one of UCLA's best tacklers.
2. Aaron Porter - 6-0, 231,
RS Freshman
Porter rebounded nicely from a lackluster true freshman season, and
looks bigger, healthier and stronger. If he continues to show well, he
should be the backup ILB here.
style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">OLB
1. Aaron Wallace - 6-2, 240,
RS Sophomore
Wallace sure made it hard on the rest of the backup OLBs to take this
spot this summer. He had a really nice spring, showing some good skills
in open space and coverage, and should be the penciled in starter to
begin camp next week.
2.
Myles Jack - 6-1, 225, Freshman
Jack is one of the three or four UCLA recruits coming in with the most
hype. Jeff Ulbrich loves him, so does Jim Mora, and so does Barr.
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BATTLE TO KEEP AN EYE ON
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outside linebacker spot opposite of Anthony Barr will be fun. Myles
Jack is the young gun pushing for playing time, while Aaron Wallace is
the veteran with experience on his side. Nobody's sleeping on the
athletic Orjioke to make a run at the starter spot, and freshman Deon
Hollins Jr. could also be a candidate here too.
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PRESSURE IS ON...
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of the backup linebackers. UCLA brought in a stacked class in 2013. If
players like Porter or Hofmeister or Isaiah Bowens or any other
semi-veteran LB isn't performing well, they could find themselves
looking up at a talented crop of freshmen LBs.
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NEWCOMER TO WATCH
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would say Myles Jack here, but Deon Hollins Jr. is the one we'll be
watching. He's a bit forgotten, given he was UCLA's earliest commitment
(that stuck), but he has a unique pass-rushing skillset that could be
unrivaled on this team. He was unblockable at nearly every event he
went to as a senior in high school, and if that carries over to the
NCAA, he could be a sack artist for the Bruins as a true frosh.
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POSITION MVP
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this really a question? Barr is maybe a top five talent in the nation.
He'll be a threat to lead the country in sacks, and he should be in the
conversation for potential No. 1 overall picks in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Going
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