UCLA football’s defense is shifting and changing before it finally gets settled at fall training camp. Defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe offered insight as to what the Bruins’ goals are at this point Tuesday, which was the fifth day of fall camp.
“For us as a defense, we can get better at block destruction, tackling turnovers, actually creating turnovers and most importantly pass rush,” Malloe said. “I think that’s a certain art that people overlook.”
Last year’s defensive front, bolstered by first-round draft pick Laiatu Latu and twins Gabriel and Grayson Murphy, excelled in that aspect of the game, and UCLA hopes to recreate that pressure this year.
Edge rusher Cherif Seye was spotted Tuesday in the Wasserman facility and Malloe is eager to put the redshirt senior’s speed to work. The Florida A&M transfer is currently working in the weight room and isn’t participating in any contact drills.
“That kid is really fast,” Malloe said. “The film speaks for itself, so we’ve just got to put him in the right position so he can be successful. He’s gotta have extra time and learn the playbook and learn the techniques as well.”
Malloe also said defensive tackle Jay Toia has become significantly stronger since the spring. Defensive lineman Keanu Williams mentioned during the first week of fall camp that he has made progress in terms of strength and is squatting 550 pounds.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, a linebacker, has taken part in edge drills and will continue to learn the position. He’s yet to go up against the offense at that position in a game-situation drill.
The inside linebacker group as a whole can provide critical help.
“Right now we’re still in the evaluation process in terms of finding out are we going to be a front type of pressure group or do we have to manipulate the front,” Malloe said. “We are very deep in our inside backer room. I think that would be the strength of our defense right now.”
Oladejo and Kain Medrano will likely be major contributors from that position group. Linebackers Ale Kaho and JonJon Vaughns are getting into fall camp form, adding to the depth of the linebacking corps.
Kaho could see his first significant game time since 2021 after battling injuries. He fully returned to practice with the Bruins during spring and the staff is prioritizing his health this fall.
“He doesn’t need many reps,” Malloe said. “He played at a high level at Alabama and we bring that here. So it’ll be my job to keep him on the field so we can actually make use of his progress.”
Vaughns missed spring practices due to baseball season. He started in 24 games this season and even pitched in relief. He had 11 runs, 20 hits, three doubles, a triple and a home run in addition to a .233/.386/.326 slash line.
He needs to lose some weight before he’s fully up to speed, Malloe said, but is otherwise adjusted to football season.
“He’s very smart and intelligent,” Malloe said. “So the mental aspect of it, that’s a piece of cake for him. It’s just the physical part that needs to catch up.”
Long snapper repetitions
Redshirt sophomore Salem Abdul-Wahab and redshirt freshman Trent Middleton were taking reps at long snapper during Tuesday morning’s practice. Mostly underclassmen comprise the position group. Travis Drosos, a redshirt senior, is the only upperclassman.
Drosos played at South Alabama in 2023 and enrolled at UCLA in the spring. He was involved in 42 punt situations, snapped on 14 made field goals and recovered a fumble on a punt return in one of the 13 games in which he played.
Abdul-Wahab transferred from Northern Colorado after the 2022 season. He and Middleton have yet to get into a game for UCLA.
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Awards watch
UCLA running back TJ Harden is a preseason candidate for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, which is given to the top running back in the nation.
Harden rushed for 827 yards and eight touchdowns on 156 carries last season as a sophomore.
Ten semifinalists will be named for the award in November and three finalists will be announced later that month.
