UCLA Football: Projected Starting DE Leaves Program For Transfer Portal
Where will UCLA turn next?
Ahead of this season's move to the Big Ten, UCLA Defensive Coordinator Ikaika Malloe must figure out who is going to function as the team's primary pass-rushing threat.
Laiatu Latu, Gabriel Murphy, and Grayson Murphy will all be playing in the NFL next year. Carl Jones -- also a potential professional player -- graduated from the program. When also factoring in reserve Jake Heimlicher, the top-five defensive ends on last year's UCLA team have all left this offseason.
Choe Bryant-Strother toggled back and forth between the outside linebacker spot and as a rush end. A fifth-year player, he was expected to come in and be the team's most experienced returning player at the position.
However, all that is for naught, as the Atlanta native decided to enter the transfer portal on Monday afternoon. The decision is a curious one considering Spring Camp in Westwood just began last week.
There could be a couple of reasons as to why this decision was made. With a new coaching staff now in place, it's feasible that Bryant-Strother was potentially not in their plans as a starter moving forward. Throughout his UCLA career, Bryant-Strother functioned as a middle/outside linebacker, and— at times—off the edge as an undersized pass rusher.
Throughout camp, it's been reported that Navy transfer Jacob Busic and former Notre Dame DL Devin Aupiu have been manning the edge spots. UCLA also brought in former Miami DL Collins Acheampong over the offseason.
It could be a case where Bryant-Strother was simply beaten out by a few of his teammates. Or, he could be looking for a move closer to his Georgia home. Regardless, the Bruins have some time to figure out how the depth chart at the position will shake out.
Don't be surprised if Foster dips into the transfer portal as a means to further increase the talent at the position.
