UCLA Transfer DB Ready For Major Team Impact

When Jordan Anderson decided to transfer to UCLA over the offseason, he was somewhat familiar with what to expect from the program.

Playing for Bowling Green a season ago, Anderson opened the 2022 campaign at the Rose Bowl versus the Bruins. UCLA soundly won the game by a score of 45-17 (played in scorching temperatures). Anderson had four tackles in the loss -- though his play throughout the year certainly stood out to Chip Kelly and his staff.

Anderson's coming off a year in which he had 47 tackles and 1 INT. A three-time All-MAC performer, Anderson reportedly chose UCLA over the likes of West Virginia and Arkansas.

UCLA's secondary was abysmal last year -- ranking No. 117 nationally in passing yards allowed per game (273.0 YPG). As such, the Bruins needed to add some quality on the back end of their defense. This is where Anderson comes into play.

When speaking to Rivals.com, Kelly offered his thoughts on the senior safety out of Detroit:

"He's really shown up. I know our defensive coaches, and all of us, are really pleased with [Anderson] here. I really think he's going to really help in the secondary and I think he's going to really help on special teams because he's been phenomenal in our special teams practices also. So, he's a tough, hard-nosed, physical kid and we're really, really excited about Jordan."

- Chip Kelly on safety Jordan Anderson

Anderson is slated to be the team's starting strong safety. A tone-setter, he's generously listed at 5'11" 200 pounds. Built like a fire hydrant, Anderson isn't afraid to help in run support. If anything, he relishes the opportunity to come up and smack running backs, trying to get to the second level.

He spoke about holding back on his physical nature with teammates in fall camp. The following statement came during a media scrum from this week (video shown above):

"Whether that's taking on blocks, just shedding off blocks or fitting up, I try to be as physical as possible. It's definitely building up toward that (first) game. You meet a running back in the hole, you'll be like, ugh, can't take him down. It's cool, though. It's a switch you've got to just turn on, honestly."

- UCLA DB Jordan Anderson

Anderson will get his chance to lay the smackdown on an opponent when Coastal Carolina comes to the Rose Bowl on Sep. 2.