UCLA Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

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PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Linebacker Kenny Young #42 of the UCLA Bruins sacks quarterback Johnny Stanton #4 of the UNLV Rebels in the third quarter at the Rose Bowl on September 10, 2016 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 42-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting outside linebackers: Josh Woods, DeChaun Holiday
Backups: Krys Barnes, Breland Brandt

Perhaps this unit isn’t quite as experienced as you’d like for a program that has Pac-12 title aspirations, but the potential here is tantalizing. Junior Josh Woods is the top returning tackler among the outside linebackers, and he’ll be asked to fill a bigger role this season after totaling 21.5 tackles in 2016.

There are plenty of young, highly-touted players who would love to fill the spot across from him, but for now we’ll lean towards DeChaun Holiday, a thin, speedy sophomore who saw a handful of snaps last season. Krys Barnes and Breland Brandt are also former four-star recruits, and should also see plenty of action this fall.

Starting middle linebacker: Kenny Young
Backup: Lokeni Toailoa

The best thing for a young linebackers corps? A senior leader in the middle to carry the load until the young stars are ready. Young is one of the most talented players on a supremely talented Bruins roster — he was second on the team in tackles (73.5) and sacks (5) in 2016. He’ll be the heart and soul of this defense in his final season in blue and gold, and should put up even bigger numbers. Talented sophomore Lokeni Toailoa is probably Young’s heir apparent in the middle of the defense, but Young won’t be taking many breathers in 2017.

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