Malloe: 3 DL Returners Setting Foundation for UCLA's Defense

The Bruins' defensive coordinator couldn't contain his excitement for these tenured d-linemen.

Oct 29, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Laiatu Latu (15) and defensive lineman Gary Smith III (58) celebrate after a sack of Stanford Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee (18) in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The defensive line has been a point of emphasis for UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe ahead of the 2025 season.

A position group staunch with tenured returners, Malloe believes three tackles, Gary Smith III, Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams are setting the foundation for the Bruins' defense this season.

Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Siale Taupaki (92) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Smith and Williams are returning from injuries that kept them out of the brunt of last season. In a sit-down interview with Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth for B1G Network's behind-the-scenes of UCLA's training camp, Malloe talked about their impact this season, and what more he wants to accomplish in training camp.

"Really get the rust off of those two," Malloe said. "The good thing is they knew a lot of what we've taught already. So there's no re-learning things. They're kind of readjusting to what was and what is. And then, gaining their confidence back. ... For them to get over that hump, that's what I'm really trying to accomplish.

"Siale has been awesome. He's found his niche in terms of where he fits in with those [two] guys, and the foundation will be those three."

Smith Sends Message to Opposing Teams

UCLA's defense underwent some extreme change through the transfer portal, and many aspects of the defense expect to display dynamic improvement this season.

Look no further than the Bruins' interior defensive line, which is actually one of the few position groups on the entire team that is headlined exclusively by returners. Keanu Williams, Siale Taupaki and Gary Smith III sit at the top of UCLA's depth chart.

Taupaki provides the most sure promise among starters, as Williams and Smith are coming off injuries that saw them miss pretty much all of last season. Smith didn't see a snap and Williams missed the last 10 games.

Smith, however, expects his interior defensive line to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

"The scheme is always going to help," Smith said in a fall camp media availability. "And we have the pieces to do so. I'm going to help being back a lot. Keanu, him coming back from injury is going to help. All of us are going to pitch in and we're going to get the job done, for sure.

"Siale has definitely stepped up from last year, major improvements. I'm so proud of that guy. A.J. [Fuimaono], he's ready. Ashton Sanders' ready. Our whole interior is ready. Anybody you put out there, we can mix and match and we'll be able to go."

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