UCLA Football: Multiple Bruins Among Top Pass Rushers In The Country

Two UCLA defenders were among the top-three in pressures during the 2023 season

UCLA football had two of the top three NCAA defenders in getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks in defensive end Gabriel Murphy and outside linebacker Laiatu Latu.

Latu ranked second among all college defenders in pressures on the quarterback with 63, while Murphy finished third with 62 pressures. Both are only behind Washington's Bralen Trice, who had 76 pressures this season, via PFF College.

Leaders in QB Pressures from the 2023 season💪 pic.twitter.com/hpSWe205QE

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 17, 2024

Murphy and Latu played a huge role in UCLA's defensive success during the 2023 campaign. UCLA ranked sixth in the NCAA with 43 sacks on the season, the highest among all Pac-12 teams. This, in turn, helped UCLA have the No. 10 overall defense in yards allowed per game, despite going up against explosive offenses this year like the Colorado Buffaloes, Washington Huskies, USC Trojans and Oregon Ducks.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, they will be losing Latu and Murphy to the NFL Draft this year. Latu is projected to be a first-round pick this year after putting up 49 total tackles, 13 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions during his final collegiate season. 

The former four-star recruit had an outstanding two seasons with the Bruins after transferring from Washington in 2022, putting up a total of 23.5 sacks and five forced fumbles while helping UCLA rank among the top school defensively. He worked his way back from serious injuries during his time as a Husky to become one of UCLA's best defenders.

Murphy also had two great years with UCLA after transferring in 2022, from North Texas. In 2023, Murphy put up 38 total tackles, eight sacks and two pass break ups along with the 62 pressures. Murphy will enter the draft alongside Latu and twin Grayson Murphy. Though Grayson was not one of the top college pressure leaders like his twin and Latu, he was still productive for UCLA while putting up five sacks and two forced fumbles in his final season as a Bruin.