UCLA football training camp breakdown: secondary

UCLA will not be able to replace the talent of Darnay Holmes, who was drafted by the New York Giants, on the field this season, but the Bruins did add Brian Norwood to their coaching staff.

Defensive backs Carl Jones and Stephan Blaylock spoke highly about Norwood and the aggressive style of play he has added within the secondary room.

Norwood joined the Bruins in January as assistant head coach, passing game coordinator for the defense and defensive backs coach.

Here’s a breakdown of where UCLA stands at secondary:

Key returnees: Quentin Lake (R-Jr.), Stephan Blaylock (Jr.), Carl Jones (Soph.), Elisha Guidry (R-So.)

Key losses: Darnay Holmes (NY Giants)

Newcomers: Obi Eboh (GT), Qwuantrezz Knight (GT), Brian Norwood (Coach)

Biggest unanswered question: How will the secondary look in the team’s new 4-2-5 scheme? The defense allows for two cornerbacks, two safeties and a nickel back, who has the flexibility to play either position. Carl Jones is the likely starter at nickel back.

Who will replace Holmes as the “shutdown corner” remains the biggest question and there may not be an answer for a while. Holmes finished last season with 34 tackles and a team-leading two interceptions.

Why 2020 production could be better: Stephan Blaylock and Quentin Lake highlight the depth and experience the Bruins have returning to the secondary.

Lake was limited to four games, including three starts, last season due to a wrist injury. He continued to contribute during practice “to give the offense a look.”

“I didn’t want to go out there (during a live game) with a club or a broken wrist and not be able to make plays for my team,” Lake said about his decision to redshirt. “Everything is good with my wrist and I am back healthy now.”

With several leaders on the defense having graduated, Blaylock will be expected to lead the team in much more than just tackles this season. He had 86 tackles (1.5 for a loss), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2019.

The secondary added depth with graduate transfers Obi Eboh (Stanford) and Qwuantrezz Knight (Kent State).

Eboh could play a major role at a key position, as he comes off his best season at Stanford, having started six games with 23 tackles.

Last year at Kent State, Knight had 10 of his 74 tackles last season against Arizona State in the season opener. He was the team’s fourth-leading tackler and led the team with 10.5 tackles for a loss.

Why 2020 production could be worse: The Bruins were ranked last in the Pac-12 in pass defense in 2019, so the Bruins are hoping they will improve this season. They will play against four teams with a new starting quarterback to begin the season, but then have to face returning quarterbacks like ASU’s Jayden Daniels and USC’s Kedon Slovis.

The defense allowed 32 passing touchdowns and gave up 311 yards per game in 2019.