UCLA Football: Fifth-Year Senior Emerging As Critical Piece To Stellar Defense

He has been a great sight to see for UCLA.

One of the crucial elements to the success of the UCLA Bruins football team this season has been the rise of their defense. It has been impressive to watch play out, and the defense has led the way for the team.

They have started the season on a high note, and even against a strong team like the Utah Utes, the defense showed out. They showed that they could hang with one of the better teams in the country, and that bodes well for them the rest of the way.

But one player has really stood out for the Bruins this season, and it has been linebacker Kain Medrano. He has helped turn the unit into one of the best in the country, and he shined once again against Utah this past weekend.

“UCLA’s defense is filled with late bloomers and comeback stories. Linebacker Kain Medrano, a fifth-year senior and converted wide receiver, was the star Saturday. He recorded career highs across the board with 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks while also forcing a fumble.”

Per Ben Bolch of The LA Times

Through four games this year, Medrano has posted 21 total tackles and two sacks. His emergence has been great for the Bruins, and it has helped them stay atop the boards in defensive statistics.

UCLA head coach Chip Kelly gave his thoughts on his senior defensive player after the Utah game.

“He had a great offseason weight room-wise, running wise,” Kelly said. “We’re starting to see that, and I think in all four games so far this year, he’s played at a really high level.”

Per Ben Bolch of The LA Times

If he can keep up this level of production, he could see himself win some individual awards at the end of the season. He has been key for the Bruins this year, and they will be relying on him to continue showing up as the year goes on.

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