UCLA Football: 3 Key Bruins Players Have Torn Their ACLs

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 17, 2024

Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA defensive back Donavyn Pellot tackles North Carolina Central Eagles quarterback Walker Harris. / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It's been a rough start to spring practice for the Blue and Gold.

In the UCLA Bruins football program's first few months under newly-elevated head coach DeShaun Foster, the club has already lost a triumvirate of critical pieces, possibly for the year, with one of the most devastating sports injuries you can get.

Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times reports that, per Foster, three UCLA players have now torn their ACLs this spring. That tally is senior starting tight end Hudson Habermehl, freshman defensive back Donavyn Pellot and freshman running back Troy Leigber.

We had previously reported the news on Habermehl, who had been projected to be a key component of the Bruins' offensive attack around presumed starting quarterback Ethan Garbers. Across 13 contests (two starts), Habermehl had finished with nine catches for 148 total yards and three touchdowns on last year's 8-5 team.

Habermehl's absence will be felt more than the others', most likely. One wonders if Foster will look to find a replacement via the NCAA transfer portal or will instead try to promote someone in-house.

Pellot, a 6'2", 210-pound defender out of Las Vegas, registered three solo tackles and one sack for the Bruins in 2023.

Leigber, a 6'1", 205-pound back out of Laguna Hills, played sparingly last season, notching one carry for nine yards.