When UCLA linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo went to Nigeria for the first time in nearly 13 years over the summer, he showed his friends and family videos of him slipping and dodging opposing players or thrusting them to the ground. “I was showing videos and they’re like, ‘What’s the point of that? You guys are hurting yourself, basically,’” Oladejo said. “So they don’t understand it.
Some do, but most don’t.” True to his optimistic self, he continued training and working out while abroad while football remained largely unmentioned. He came back to Southern California refreshed and ready to rejoin a UCLA pass rush that was equally starting anew.
The Bruins ranked 10th nationally in total defense at the end of last season, allowing an average of 301.5 yards per game. Additionally, they had the No.
2 rushing defense with just 80.8 yards allowed per game and averaged 3.31 sacks per game, which was fifth-best in the country.
Players like edge rusher Laiatu Latu, defensive ends Gabriel Murphy and Grayson Murphy as well as linebacker Darius Muasau were all critical components of that aggressive defense. All four moved on to earn roster spots in the NFL, forcing UCLA’s defense to rebuild. “I feel like a lot of us are looked at as like a ragtag group just put together,” defensive lineman Devin Aupiu told reporters during fall camp.
“But it definitely adds a motivational factor for us to go get it and be our own players, be our own type of group and create the s.