Saturday Blitz
Fansided

UCLA Football: Top 3 breakout candidates for the 2022 season

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 4, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Kazmeir Allen (19) runs the ball against the Louisiana State Tigers during the first half the at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Kazmeir Allen (19) runs the ball against the Louisiana State Tigers during the first half the at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 16: Devin Kirkwood #26 of the UCLA Bruins and Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies push off one another during the second quarter at Husky Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 16: Devin Kirkwood #26 of the UCLA Bruins and Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies push off one another during the second quarter at Husky Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Everyone at UCLA seems to be excited about Devin Kirkwood at cornerback.

The freshman played in 12 games in 2021 and showed flashes of brilliance. He played a backup role but is projected to start at cornerback along with Wyoming transfer Azizi Hearn.

During that first season, Kirkwood finished with 23 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble. The former four-star recruit from the 2021 class is capable of so much more and I think we’re going to see him grow into an All-Pac-12 talent in 2022.

Kirkwood is going to be one of the main contributors to the defense which needs drastic improvement from last season. The Bruins were 107th nationally in passing yards allowed per game and 70th in total defense. They need some help and Kirkwood is going to be one of the guys to turn things around along with Hearn.

Buy stock in the UCLA secondary this season.

Home/UCLA Bruins