UCLA LB Details Efforts to Improve Tackling

Jalen Woods is at the forefront of the Bruins' quest to be better defensively.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes tight end JJ Buchanan (81) runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UCLA's most glaring problem in its 43-10 loss to Utah on Saturday was defensive tackling.

The Utes were able to extend plays almost on command because it often took multiple UCLA defenders to bring a player down. Never mind not being able to contain the dynamic mobility of Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, who was reaping off subpar edge protection to extend plays on the ground.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Croix Stewart (22) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Bruins linebacker Jalen Woods detailed the efforts the team is going through to improve on that portion of their defense.

"We emphasize tackling every week with the drills that we do," Woods said during Tuesday's media availability. "It's just the little fine details. Like get one step closer to the person, or two steps closer. Little stuff like that. And that separates between a tackle and a missed tackle. We're just all, collectively as a group, getting better at tackling and all the other fundamentals that come with winning a football game."

Despite the lulls, UCLA linebackers Isaiah Chisom and JonJon Vaughns finished the night with 17 and 15 tackles, respectively, two totals that put them within the top five in the nation after Week 1.

Foster, Chisom Address Tackling Issues

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster following the loss against the Utah Utes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The tackling, or lack thereof, stood out most in a long, brutal night. When asked about it, DeShaun Foster pretty much glossed over it.

“I would say it was just a lot of stuff going on," he said postgame. "I wouldn’t just put it all on tackling. We’ve got to regroup and come together and just really get some good practices in this week to be ready for UNLV because that’s going to be another good team that we’re playing next.”

He also addressed Dampier and the UCLA front four not being able to put adequate pressure on him.

“That was a good quarterback we were playing against. That was a pretty good O-Line also, but I don’t want to take away any credit from them. That was a good team we played. They were able to execute.”

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Isaiah Chisom, who led the Bruins' defense with 17 total tackles, including one for loss, got a little more technical when addressing the tackling woes.

"It’s really about eye position," the Oregon State transfer said. "If you try to reach around somebody’s shoulders, you’re going to fall off. It’s about eye discipline. It’s a first-game thing, first-game jitters. Everybody was just trying to get their footing. We’ll be better next week.”

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