UCLA Football: 3 breakout candidates for 2021 season

Chip Kelly’s first three years with UCLA football haven’t exactly gone as planned. He has gone just 10-21 through his first three years with the Bruins but the 2020 season was a bright spot despite the 3-4 record. The Bruins were competitive in each game and didn’t lose by more than six points.

UCLA is hoping to carry that momentum over into the 2021 season and make the first bowl game in the Kelly era, saving his job in the meantime.

The Bruins are going to need some key players to step up and take over more prominent roles this season. Some under-the-radar guys will have to assume leadership roles and potentially become stars this season if UCLA wants to have a chance at the postseason.

Which three Bruins could break out in 2021?

UCLA’s defensive line could use some help and the Bruins got it in the form of former four-star Jay Toia from the 2021 class. He was originally committed to rival USC but didn’t feel like he was a good fit with the Trojans’ staff, so he transferred across town to the Bruins. He had plenty of schools interested in his services but decided to stay close to home.

Toia was a highly sought-after recruit in the 2021 class who was ranked the No. 187 overall player and 26th-best defensive lineman.

Outside of Otito Ogbonnia, the Bruins don’t have a ton of experienced depth on the interior of the defensive line and that’s where Toia could come into play. He should play a big role early on and his 6-3, 325-pound frame will be difficult to keep off the field.

Chip Kelly has one of the top defensive linemen in the incoming freshman class at his disposal and while everyone is talking about Quintin Somerville, Toia should be a breakout candidate in 2021.