UCLA football training camp breakdown: defensive line

The UCLA football team’s defensive line made some strides in 2019, but with a new position coach and defensive scheme, more improvement will be expected.

Defensive line coach Johnny Nansen will be responsible for teaching the 4-2-5 scheme, which features four defensive linemen on the field.

Head coach Chip Kelly has shown enough confidence in the depth available along the defensive line that he was willing to move nose tackle Atonio Mafi to the offensive line this offseason. Mafi was an offensive linemen at Junipero Serra High in San Mateo.

Kelly made a similar move in 2018 when he moved Boss Tagaloa over to center and was a proven success as Tagaloa helped block for Joshua Kelley, who rushed for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

Here’s a breakdown of where UCLA stands at defensive line:

Key returnees: Osa Odighizuwa (DE, sr.), Odua Isibor (DE, jr.), Otito Ogbonnia (NT, jr.), Tyler Manoa (DT, jr.)

Key losses: Atonio Mafi (NT)

Newcomers: Mitchell Agude (WDE/LB), Kenny Mestidor (WDE/LB), Jay Max Jacobsen (SDE/LB)

Biggest unanswered question: How will the defensive line adjust to the new 4-2-5 scheme? The Bruins were preparing for the defensive scheme before the pandemic, now it’s just a matter of how much of it they retained during the down time and how much more they can learn during a short fall camp to tie up any loose ends ahead of Pac-12 play.

Why 2020 production could be better: Nansen joined the program in March and has been credited with bringing a positive energy and the “juice.”

“I like his energy and his passion,” said senior defensive end Osa Odighizuwa. “He brings juice to the d-line. … I like that guy a lot.”

Nansen spent the last six years in multiple roles, holding various positions including assistant head coach from 2016-2018, for rival USC.

“I love his energy,” junior defensive tackle Tyler Manoa said. “He encourages us and pushes us to our limit every day.”

Odighizuwa will anchor the defensive line as its only returning starter and one of two defenders who participated in all 12 games last season. He had the option to opt out, but wouldn’t have felt comfortable with that decision.

“I didn’t want to go out on an opt-out,” Odighizuwa said. “Being able to play was the most important thing and I wanted to increase my (NFL) draft stock. … I just stayed in shape for every possible outcome.”

Defensive end Odua Isibor is expected to start within the new scheme, after recording 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a backup.

Manoa and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia will see an increased role upfront, replacing Mafi, this season after each started five games last season. Ogbonnia recorded 12 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble while Manoa had 19 total tackles and forced a fumble.

Redshirt junior Martin Andrus is back and practicing with the Bruins, after missing the last nine games due to an injury.

Seniors Datona Jackson and Steven Mason are other key reserves for the Bruins who could see some time on the field this season.

Jackson started the season finale against Cal last season.

Why 2020 production could be worse: The Bruins did not lose a key players along the line due to graduation but shifting Mafi to offensive line could be a step back for the defense. Mafi had remained healthy and played in all 12 games, including five starts, last season. His size – 6-foot-4, 355 pounds – will be missed in the middle of the defensive line.