UCLA's defense faced significant challenges last year, struggling to pressure quarterbacks and halt the run game. But with Bob Chesney stepping in as the new head coach, the Bruins are looking to turn the tide.
Chesney's strategic use of the transfer portal has brought a fresh wave of talent, ranking 11th nationally in portal class. Among these new faces is defensive tackle Darold DeNgohe, a player poised to bolster UCLA's defensive front.
DeNgohe's journey back to Chesney is an interesting one. After a stint at Rutgers, he's reuniting with the coach who knows how to maximize his potential.
DeNgohe, much like his fellow Bruin DJ Barksdale, flew under the radar in high school, despite impressive stats at LaSalle College High School in Pennsylvania. His senior year saw him rack up 52 tackles, 14 for loss, and 8 sacks, not to mention his knack for blocking kicks, achieving five in that season alone.
These achievements earned him first-team all-state honors and recognition at the area and league levels.
Despite being unranked, DeNgohe caught the eye of several Division I schools, eventually committing to James Madison. His freshman year was a learning curve, featuring only two games, but it set the stage for development under coach Curt Cignetti.
When Cignetti moved to Indiana, DeNgohe opted to stay with James Madison under new head coach Bob Chesney. This decision paid off as he contributed significantly in his sophomore year, tallying 28 tackles and a blocked field goal across 12 games.
Seeking greater challenges, DeNgohe transferred to Rutgers in the Big Ten, a move closer to home. Unfortunately, his time there was marred by a season-ending injury after just four games, where he managed eight tackles. Now, he's following Chesney to UCLA, ready to make an impact once more.
The Bruins' defensive woes last season were a major factor in their 3-9 record. Former head coach Deshaun Foster had brought in talent via the transfer portal, yet results were lacking, particularly in the pass rush department.
Anthony Jones, for instance, only managed to tie for the team lead in sacks with a modest 1.5. These struggles contributed to Foster's early departure after just three games.
Stopping the run was equally problematic, with UCLA allowing an average of 190 rushing yards per game. Chesney has made it his mission to overhaul the defense, focusing on strengthening the defensive line.
He's brought in key players from James Madison, including edge rushers Ryan McCulloch, Dallin Havea, and Amier Washington, along with defensive tackles Maxwell Roy and Sahir West. This infusion of talent has the potential to transform the Bruins' defense into a formidable unit.
Sahir West, in particular, is a player to watch, having led the Dukes in sacks last season. His presence in the Big Ten could be game-changing.
As for DeNgohe, his ability to disrupt the offensive line and create opportunities for his teammates is invaluable. Although his sack numbers are modest, his knack for stopping the run, evidenced by his six tackles for loss at James Madison, is crucial.
Returning from injury, DeNgohe may need time to regain his form, but if he does, he could become a cornerstone of UCLA's defensive line for years to come. His journey is a testament to resilience and the potential for redemption under the right guidance. As the Bruins gear up for the season, all eyes will be on this revamped defense to see if they can rise to the occasion.
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