Offense: LT Xavier Su’a-Filo
The Bruins have struggled to field to an effective combination on the offensive line for years, but Su’a-Filo could provide a major boost upon returning from a two-year Mormon mission. As a true freshman in 2009, he started all 13 games and earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors. It was the most starts by a Bruin true freshman at any non-kicking position. Su’a-Filo may show rust early, but his play will be vital to protecting redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley as he grows into the position.
Defense: FS Tevin McDonald
The 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore, whose older brother T.J. stars at USC, moved into the starting lineup last year when Tony Dye was injured. He made an immediate impact with 56 tackles. He also tied a school record with three interceptions against Cal. He’s athletic, has good instincts and terrific ball skills. The Bruins are counting on him to improve a red-zone defense that finished ninth in the Pac-12 last season while helping mask a unit that produced just 14 sacks, the second-worst mark in the conference to Arizona (10).
Special teams: Punt returner (TBD)
There are several players competing for these positions, but it’s clear UCLA needs a boost in this area, particularly since there will be offensive growing pains with a redshirt freshman quarterback. UCLA had 16 punt returns for 49 yards last season. That's an average of 3.06 yards per return, which ranked 117 out of 120 Division I football programs. Needless to say, the Bruins didn’t take any to the house. Midfield was enough of a challenge. Juniors Shaq Evans , Ricky Marvray and freshman Steven Manfro are among the competitors at this position. Andrew Abbott, Jordon James and Damien Thigpen could also be factors, though they were only listed on the kick-return depth chart after spring ball.
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