UCLA Football: 5 freshmen who could have instant impacts in 2017

Mique Juarez is an interesting story. He was once a five-star linebacker out of high school in Torrance, Calif. In fact, 247Sports had ranked him the No. 1 overall outside linebacker in the 2016 class and 11th-best recruit in the country. The Bruins looked to have landed an absolute stud at linebacker, but then he dealt with some personal issues.

Juarez walked away from the team early in his career because of what he called “mental breakdowns” but has since returned and is looking to have an impact as a redshirt freshman in 2017.

There’s a reason he was considered the top linebacker in the 2016 class and he’s ready to prove that. He was out of football shape for a bit last year, but after redshirting and learning behind some talented UCLA linebackers, he has made it his mission to get back into the swing of things.

Jim Mora has praised him this offseason after Juarez slimmed down and got into better shape, according to the OC Register.

"“It’s been a long road for him and I just respect the fact that he’s just continued to push and stay committed,” Mora said. “He’s gone through some things that a lot of people go through and he’s coming out the other side in a positive way and I’m encouraged by it, I’m happy for him and I’m excited about his attitude and good things and starting to happen to him."

The 6-foot-1.5, 230-pound linebacker should be in the two-deep this fall and if he lives up to his immense potential, he could — and should — make the Freshman All-Pac-12 team.