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UCLA Football: 3 breakout candidates for 2021 season

By Connor Muldowney

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 17: Kyle Philips #2 of the UCLA Bruins is congratulated by Chase Cota #23 and Demetric Felton #10 after he scored a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on October 17, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 17: Kyle Philips #2 of the UCLA Bruins is congratulated by Chase Cota #23 and Demetric Felton #10 after he scored a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on October 17, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 28: Running back Gary Brightwell #0 of the Arizona Wildcats runs the ball to the six yard line as before he is stopped by linebacker Mitchell Agude #45 of the UCLA Bruins in the game at the Rose Bowl on November 28, 2020 in Pasadena, California. Gunnell left the game. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 28: Running back Gary Brightwell #0 of the Arizona Wildcats runs the ball to the six yard line as before he is stopped by linebacker Mitchell Agude #45 of the UCLA Bruins in the game at the Rose Bowl on November 28, 2020 in Pasadena, California. Gunnell left the game. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

I almost went with a running back or someone on the offensive side of the ball here, but I think the defensive line is going to be drastically improved with some key additions and the return of Mitchell Agude for his junior year.

Agude had a strong 2020 season, totaling 23 tackles with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in a backup role which is impressive because it was his first season as an FBS athlete.

In fact, Agude came over from Riverside C.C. as the No. 25 JUCO prospect in the 2020 class and the second-best weak-side defensive end, according to 247Sports. He can play both linebacker and on the edge and he projects to be the starting defensive end this season in place of Osa Odighizuwa.

I could see Agude having a monster season, especially after watching him wreak havoc in 2020 in a backup role. Essentially double his production from last season and that’s what we could see from the former JUCO transfer.

I’m buying all the Agude stock heading into the 2021 season as I think he’ll lead this defensive line in sacks and tackles for loss.

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