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UCLA’s defensive line unit expected to provide stability

April 14, 2023

LOS ANGELES — The UCLA football team returns good depth at defensive line, leading coach Chip Kelly to expect consistency in the season ahead.

Outside linebackers coach Ikaika Malloe added the role of defensive line coach this season, following the departure of Chad Kauha’aha’a.

“We have a long way to go with all of those defensive linemen,” Kelly said. “They are learning something new but we do have depth. I’ve been in that meeting room with Ikaika and he’s doing a great job with those guys.”

Kelly called the decision to add to Malloe’s responsibilities a “natural progression” and allowed for other coaching moves that would benefit the secondary.

“We’re going to play with five defensive backs most of the time,” Kelly said. “So to make sure our DBs aren’t caught short, we thought breaking up the cornerbacks and the safeties was something really important.”

Outside linebacker Laiatu Latu returns as an impact player, after leading the team with 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Latu was one of three players named college football’s Comeback Players of the Year along with Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim in 2022.

“We love it,” Latu said about Malloe coaching both positions. “We get to be on the same page and we are doing all of the drills together.”

Defensive linemen Jay Toia, Grayson and Gabriel Murphy add some stability on the front line as key returners.

Grayson Murphy added five sacks last season and outside linebacker Carl Jones Jr. had two sacks.

The Bruins added depth to the defensive line with Oregon transfer Keanu Williams and Pennsylvania transfer Jake Heimlicher.

Heimlicher, who enrolled in January, had an interception during Tuesday’s practice.

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Williams joined the program a day before the start of spring camp but has already been added to the defensive rotation, batting down a pass at practice.

“He’s a big body,” Kelly said of Williams. “He’s really sharp and picked things up very quickly.”

The defense has also been vocal about their support for one another this week while celebrating plays made against the offense during various team drills at practice.

“When we’re on a roll, we get into it and sometimes we have to dial it down,” Latu said. “We love what we do and we show it.”

Linebacker Darius Muasau also intercepted quarterback Collin Schlee’s pass during seven-on-seven drills and had a fumble recovery during Thursday’s practice after running back Carson Steele dropped a pitched ball from quarterback Dante Moore.

INJURY REPORT

Purdue graduate transfer Spencer Holstege was limited with an undisclosed injury during practice on Thursday. Offensive lineman Benjamin Roy Jr. filled in for Holstege during team drills.

Wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

Orange County Register

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UCLA’s defensive line unit expected to provide stability

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