UCLA Football: Bruins Star Linebacker Will Play in East-West Shrine Bowl

The senior linebacker will showcase his talents in the East-West Shrine Bowl,

Although the 2023 season wasn't ideal for the entire UCLA football program, it was a special one for their defense. After years of mediocrity, the UCLA Bruins defense shined the brightest in 2023. UCLA senior edge rusher Laiatu Latu shined the most in the past year, but others made their presence known throughout the season, including senior linebacker Darius Muasau. 

The two-year Bruin had his best season as a Bruin, and because of that, he was invited to play in the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl, which he happily accepted. 

UCLA linebacker @Dariusmuasau53 has accepted an invitation to play in the 2024 East-West @ShrineBowl. https://t.co/SJ6xSbDLVR

— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) January 13, 2024

The East-West Shrine Bowl consists of college seniors eligible to play for their schools. It hosts the best seniors in the country as they compete for supremacy. 

There is no doubt Muasau was among the best seniors in the country. He was lights out for UCLA, recording 75 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and six passes defended, a career-high. 

He was named the LA Bowl defensive MVP in the final game of the 2023 season against Boise State. In that game, he racked up 11 tackles, six of them solo, and 2.5 tackles for loss in the 35-22 win. 

Before his time as a Bruin, Darius spent three seasons at Hawaii, where he played in 35 games and recovered 270 total tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions returned for 76 yards and one touchdown, five passes defended, three fumbles recovered and five forced fumbles. 

This is a great accomplishment for the senior linebacker, and we can't wait to see him showcase his talents on February 1st at Frisco, Texas.