Former Bruins Walk-On LB Has Become One of the Nation's Best

The UCLA Bruins have one of the country's best linebackers on their squad this season, and he just so happens to be a former walk-on. The redshirt junior backer earned multiple honors after his performance last weekend against Nebraska.

Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) scores the game-winning touchdown against UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-5) have struck gold with former walk-on, redshirt junior linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who has become one of the best defensive players in the nation this season. Leading the team in multiple defensive categories, Schwesinger has become one of the biggest success stories.

In the Bruins' 27-20 road victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-4), Schwesinger earned Player of the Game for another electric performance with 13 tackles, one sack and two pass breakups. As always, the junior captain was flying around the field, swarming to the football all afternoon.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗹 🏈 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲
 
Carson Schwesinger notched his sixth straight game with 10+ tackles (13), recorded two key pass breakups and a sack in the redzone to force a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter of UCLA’s win at Nebraska.
 #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/7NxHWiwN3j

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) November 3, 2024

The Moorpark, California native was also recently named as one of the 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given to college football's top linebacker. Well deserved for the guy who ranks second in the nation in solo tackles (54) and first in the Big Ten in total tackles (85).

Schwesinger also leads the Bruins in sacks (3.0) and tied for the team lead in forced fumbles (one). He has been, far and away, the best defensive player for head coach DeShaun Foster's group this season, and his stock has continued to skyrocket each game.

Joining the team as a walk-on in 2021, Schwesinger played in 10 games his freshman year, recording just 15 tackles. His playing time and production have gradually grown over the past three seasons and the work he has put in to climb the ladder has paid off with immense success in 2024.

Going from a freshman walk-on who received zero offers coming out of high school, Schwesinger decided to join the football team and build a career from the ground up. He has accomplished a storybook-type career and still has many more ballgames to play in Westwood.

Luckily for the Bruins, Schwesinger is only in his third and could be back for his senior season unless he decides to test the professional waters and enter the NFL Draft. It wouldn't be a bad move for one of the nation's best at his position through eight games this season.

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