Bruins Senior Star Declares For NFL Draft

The UCLA Bruins are losing several key players at the end of this year, and another has decided to enter his name in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Oct 19, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano (20) celebrates during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins will hopefully see another alumni play on Sundays as senior linebacker Kain Medrano has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced Wednesday afternoon on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"After much prayer, reflection, and heartfelt conversations with my family and coaches, I am thrilled to announce that I am declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft." Medrano wrote in the social media post, announcing his next steps and thanking the Bruin program for an unforgettable career.

Turning dreams into reality!

Thank you Bruin Nation! pic.twitter.com/i0aVKmvHwK

— Kain Medrano (@Kain_05) December 4, 2024

Medrano finished second on the team in total tackles (72) and tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. He was a six-year player for the Bruins with his senior season being the best of his career. He was named captain this season and led by example with several key plays all season long.

One of the biggest highlights of Medrano's season came in a huge Big Ten win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Week 9. He recorded six tackles with a game-changing, 38-yard pick-six interception return for a touchdown. Medrano will surely remember that performance for the rest of his life.

The Pueblo, Col. native was able to stay healthy all season, starring in all 12 games of the season. He ended his career with an even 3-3 record against the Bruins' bitter rival, USC Trojans. He was the veteran leader of this defense and gained valuable experience that will help him at the next level.

It was wise for Medrano to come back for another year as his draft stock surely rose after what he was able to do this year. He surpassed career-highs in almost every category this season and should have a fairly solid shot at being selected at some point during the upcoming draft.

Medrano is the second Bruin to declare for the 2025 NFL draft, joining senior safety Bryan Addison.

If the Bruins are able to find two of their star defenders drafted this season, it will speak to the job that defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe and the rest of this coaching staff were able to do to put those guys in the best positions to succeed.

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