Tevin McDonald Is Dismissed At UCLA
By Kyle Kensing
Sept. 22, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Malcolm Agnew (30) hangs on as UCLA Bruins safety Tevin McDonald is dismissed from the UCLA football team. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Edward Lewis of Rivals Network site BruinSportsReport.com tweeted UCLA Bruins safety Tevin McDonald is dismissed from the team, per head coach Jim Mora.
#UCLA head coach Jim Mora said he has released Tevin McDonald from the team for violation of team policy.
— Edward Lewis (@Edward__Lewis) March 26, 2013
McDonald is a huge loss for the Bruin defense. A highly touted class of 2010 prospect, McDonald was a 2011 Freshman All-America team selection, and UCLA’s third leading tackler in 2012.
His redshirt sophomore season ended prematurely with a suspension for the Bruins’ Holiday Bowl loss to Baylor. UCLA surrendered a season high 49 points to the Bears.
McDonald was among the most productive returners to a talented defense for the defending Pac-12 South champion Bruins. Included in that group is linebacker Anthony Barr, a converted running back who evolved into one of the nation’s top sacking defenders.
Sophomore Randall Goforth could see more responsibility with McDonald’s depature. As a freshman, Goforth started five games — all against either spread or frequent passing teams. Senior Brandon Sermons should compete during Bruin spring practices, with four years of experience in the program and three seasons spent in a reserve role.