This Surprise Tennessee Bond is Powering UCLA's Defense

Not many knew of the friendship of Gary Smith III and Key Lawrence.

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins helmets during pregame warmups before playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The transfer portal period was especially impactful for UCLA this offseason as the Bruins overhauled much of their roster and brought in nearly 30 new faces.

Of the many new faces, Oklahoma transfer safety Key Lawrence is expected to be one of the most impactful. What drew him to Westwood, though? The answer: a childhood friend of over 10 years.

"That's my brother, that's like my brother, man," Lawrence said of Bruins defensive lineman Gary Smith III. "He's one of the big reasons I came out here as well. Because, for my last year [and] for his last year, we just thought, 'Why not? Why not play together at this prestigious university and get the job done?'"

Lawrence and Smith hail from Tennessee. Both entering their final year of eligibility, Smith hails from Shelbyville and Lawrence from Nashville. Their bond and friendship dates back over a decade and is rekindled in Westwood.

Shelbyville's Gary Smith III poses for a portrait at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Dandydozen 071019 009 | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Lawrence, Smith And How They'll Impact UCLA

Smith is returning to the Bruins this season in hopes of showing promise after missing all of last season with an injury. The former Duke Blue Devil transferred to UCLA in 2022 and appeared in 10 games in 2023, finishing with 21 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Smith is expected to be a big contributor on the line behind Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams, who is also returning from injury.

Lawrence is yet another transfer in UCLA's overall secondary group, not just the safeties. He comes to the Bruins by way of Ole Miss, where he missed most of last season. in 2023, he played for Oklahoma and ended the season with 44 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions.

Sep 23, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Key Lawrence (12) reacts after intercepting the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Lawrence is the projected box safety starter and will be one of the most important figures in the Bruins' pass defense this season, amongst an overhauled group of defenders.

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