UCLA Standouts Nominated for Respective Position Watch List

These two Bruins are among the best in their position

The 2023 season will kick off in less than a month from now, and although the team will look different, there will be some familiar faces. 

Two of the Bruins returning this season are center Duke Clemens and defensive lineman Laiatu Latu. Both are set for a primed season, and a ton will be on their shoulders to take UCLA over the top. 

Clemens and Latu have garnered much attention this offseason, including being named on the watch list for their respective positions. 

🏆 @laiatu_latu has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List for the nation’s best defensive player!#GoBruins 🐻 #4sUp pic.twitter.com/Hz10FxxA5W

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) August 1, 2023

🏆 @dukeclemens has been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List for the best interior lineman in the country!#GoBruins 🐻 #4sUp pic.twitter.com/jNxja16LM7

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) August 1, 2023

Latu is on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy List for the nation's best defensive player. Clemens was named to the Outland Trophy watch list for the best interior lineman. 

Latu has established himself as the best edge in not only the Pac-12 but maybe the entire country. He led the team in 2022, recording 12.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 13 games. The 10.5 sacks ranked eighth in the nation. 

Clemens was a massive part of UCLA"s successful run game helping the Bruins average over 200 yards per game and helping produce another 1,000-yard rusher for two years in a row. 

Latu and Clemens will be the driving force for the Bruins success on their respective sides of the ball, and hopefully, at the end of it, they can come out with some hardware.