UCLA Football: Changes In Tactics, Players Expected For Defensive Backs

Things could already be shifting for the secondary ahead of Week 3.

Your UCLA Bruins may have vanquished the San Diego State University Aztecs 35-10 on Saturday to remain undefeated on their young 2023 season (they're just 2-0, but that's still better than 0-2!), but the team still seems aware it needs a little revamping, particularly on its secondary.

Haley Sawyer of The Los Angeles Daily News believes as much, too. Though UCLA has already notched five interceptions through its first two contests (which ranks third in the country) and has already recorded 20 tackles for a loss in yardage (tied for fifth in the country), the team's defensive backs seem to struggle a bit with long-range passes from opponents.

“I feel like in both games, we gave up a little too many deep balls," defensive back Kamari Ramsey reflected, per Sawyer. "Sometimes it’s communication. Sometimes it’s technique. Someone’s got to get those, though. We’ve got to try and be perfect and try to get those.”

Sawyer adds that Bruins wide receiver Jadyn Marshall practiced with cornerbacks on Tuesday morning while speaking at length with that position's dedicated coach, Kodi Whitfield. Sawyer reports it's possible that the 6'1" receiver makes the leap to the defensive back position once again.

UCLA will next play the similarly-undefeated North Carolina Central Eagles this coming Saturday. Time will tell if these potential adjustments actually transpire this weekend.