UCLA Football: Chip Kelly Impressed by Versatile True Freshman Linebacker

How will the true freshman fare in his first year at the next level?

The UCLA Bruins will have a ton of new faces from both the transfer portal and incoming freshmen. Many from the two sides have already garnered a ton of attention and are set to play a big role for the team, whether on the offensive or defensive sides of the ball.

The new season is almost upon us, and we cannot wait to see how they all gel together. Because of the new faces, not too many players have been talked about, including versatile true freshman defender Ty Lee. 

Lee is a local product hailing from Garden Grove, California, and attended Southern California powerhouse high school, St. John Bosco. Although he's coming in as a three-star recruit, he's playing above and beyond that, impressing head coach Chip Kelly due to his versatility and unique play style. 

“He’s got a unique skill set,” Kelly said. “I think he’s got the ability. … There’s some size things that we think he’s gonna continue to grow.

“When you look at the more people have spread offenses, to really have those athletic linebackers on the field, we feel like we have a few right now. We think that’s where he may eventually end up, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play some safety now. So, he’s kind of doing both in terms of what D’Anton (Lynn) and coach (Brian) Norwood and coach Norton are looking at him as.”

(via Rivals)

Lee is listed as a safety on the 247Sports site but a linebacker on the UCLA Bruins official page. That alone shows that he can play both positions and is pretty darn good at it, too. 

Lee is 6'3 ", 190 pounds, and is coming into the program after an incredible high school senior year. He recorded 48 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and two sacks. If the Bruins can get something similar to that in his freshman season, alongside their new defensive coordinator, the defense and Lee will be a scary sight. 

We'll see what time of role Lee plays come September.