UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Receives First All-American Honor Since 2015 for Bruins

This Bruin made his presence known all season long.

UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu made history in his senior season in Westwood. 

The 22-year-old from Sacramento, California, put his game on notice all 2023 long, earning one of the highest honors in the college game. 

Latu was named to the AP All-American first-team defense, making him a consensus All-American. The first to do so, according to Bruins insider James Williams. 

Laiatu Latu is the first consensus All-American for UCLA since kicker Ka'Imi Fairbairn in 2015. https://t.co/99h5AJ9y6n

— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) December 11, 2023

Latu becomes the first Bruin All-American since kicker Ka'Imi Fairbairn did so in 2015 and the first defensive player since Anthony Barr in 2013. 

Laiatu was spectacular all season long and has earned to be called early in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Most mock drafts have him going as a top-10 pick, with many also stating he will be gone by pick #5. 

The defensive lineman has already won the Ted Hendricks Award, awarded to college football's top defensive end, and the Lombardi Award, awarded to college football's best lineman, on either offense or defense. 

It's been a storybook season for the All-American. He's propelled the Bruins' defense to new heights, and we cannot wait to see him showcase his prowess in the next level. 

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