UCLA signing day notebook: Bruins look to address defensive needs in portal
UCLA head coach Chip Kelly already knew Wednesday that the void to fill along the defensive line, particularly at the edge rusher positions, would be sizeable.
After his early signing day press conference to announce the program’s 10 incoming high school recruits, the hole only got bigger.
Edge rushers Gabriel and Grayson Murphy, twins who spent the past two seasons in Westwood after transferring from North Texas, announced in a joint statement via social media later in the afternoon that they are declaring for the NFL draft.
In addition to the Murphys, the nation’s top player at the position, Laiatu Latu, also is entering the draft. Fellow edge rushers Carl Jones Jr. and Jake Heimlicher are out of eligibility. Together they combined for 53 tackles for loss and 28 sacks.
Also weighing his options is standout defensive tackle Jay Toia, who was key in the middle to helping create pressure.
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