Who is Standing Out in UCLA's Deepest Position Group?

The Bruins' linebacker depth is stacked and Ikaika Malloe revealed standouts through the first week of camp.

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jalen Woods (17), defensive back Jaylin Davies (6), linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49), and UCLA Bruins defensive back Bryan Addison (4) tackle Fresno State Bulldogs tight end Jake Tarwater (87) during the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

UCLA Bruins defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe has his hands full with a revamped defense ahead of this season. His deepest group, as head coach DeShaun Foster labeled it, is the linebackers. And he revealed who is standing out through the first week of camp.

"Aside from JonJon [Vaughns], I think Juju Walls has taken a huge step," Malloe said in Wednesday's media availability. "Isaiah Chisom has really found himself now. He's playing way faster and you can tell, he's starting to smile a lot more. You saw him learning the package and now he's actually putting his best foot forward and his talent is really starting to show.

"Another guy we were all excited to see was Donavyn Pellot. Getting back on the field and, you know, he's so athletic, so it's really exciting for us to watch. For me, I'm racking my brain as we speak, because both the secondary and the linebacker coupe has really put a decision-making for me ... Donny has really made a case for himself, that, somehow, some way, he needs to get on that field."

Isaiah Chisom, #32, Redshirt Sophomore, 6'1", 235 lbs.

Sep 14, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers linebacker Isaiah Chisom (9) and defensive back Josiah Johnson (30) tackle Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) after a catch during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Chisom comes in as a transfer from Oregon State and was a prominent figure in the Beavers' defense last season. He finished the season with 75 tackles and a forced fumble in 12 games of action. He is one of the few prime candidates to replace Carson Schwesinger's production from last season.

Whether he is a starter or not ahead of the season, as a redshirt sophomore, Chisom should have a promising future with the program.

Donavyn Pellot, #0, Redshirt Sophomore, 6'2", 215 lbs.

Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; North Carolina Central Eagles quarterback Walker Harris (3) is scaked by UCLA Bruins defensive back Donavyn Pellot (30) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Pellot is coming off an ACL injury that kept him out all of last season. In his true freshman season in 2023, he appeared in five games, seeing action against North Carolina Central, Arizona State, USC, Cal and Boise State in the LA Bowl. He finished the season with three solo tackles and an eight-yard sack.

Pellot is currently slotted behind Ben Perry, among others, on the depth chart, but is sure to have a promising outlook on the rest of his future with the Bruins.

Jewelous "JuJu" Walls, #41, Freshman, 6'2", 215 lbs.

Walls is a three-star freshman out of the class of 2025 and came to Westwood as the No. 53-ranked edge in the nation. Much like the other freshmen at the position, Walls is expected to redshirt this season.

Make sure to bookmark UCLA Bruins On SI to get all your daily UCLA Bruins news, analysis and more!

Read more on UCLA football and their momentous second season in the Big Ten and under DeShaun Foster here. While you're here, check out all things UCLA basketball and Mick Cronin improving the Bruins through the transfer portal here.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @cmorenoNBA to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics!

Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.