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UCLA Football: Way-too-early 2-deep depth chart projection for 2022

By Jackson Caudell

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 16: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins gathers his teammates during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 16: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins gathers his teammates during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Oct 17, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Atonio Mafi (56) and defensive lineman Tyler Manoa (50) react after a fumble turnover against the Stanford Cardinal in the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Atonio Mafi (56) and defensive lineman Tyler Manoa (50) react after a fumble turnover against the Stanford Cardinal in the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Starting defensive end: Gabriel Myrphy
Backup: Grayson Myrphy

Starting defensive tackles: Odua Isibor, Tyler Manoa
Backups: Gary Smith III, Jacob Sykes

This is going to be the most interesting position on the defense for the Bruins this spring. They are losing some guys to the NFL and transfer and are bringing in their fair share of transfers as well. This group could have a lot of shuffling involved so be sure to keep track of everything that goes on here during the spring.

Running just a two-man front most of the time, look for a recent pair of transfers to get the first crack at starting for the Bruins. Gabriel and Grayson Murphy are two brothers transferring from North Texas and both will look to make an instant impact for the UCLA defense. Don’t count out veteran Devin Aupiu to make a push for the starting job though. Another transfer to watch is Washington transfer Laiatu Latu.

Odua Isibor was a backup interior lineman last season, but look for him to get the first crack at the starting job this fall. A pair of transfers could push Isibor this fall though. Duke transfer Gary Smith III and Harvard transfer Jacob Sykes could push for playing time. Tyler Manoa is another senior that should bring veteran experience to a unit that needs it.

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