For a struggling UCLA secondary, versatility becoming crucial

In training camp this summer, UCLA’s defensive secondary was seen as one of the team’s strong suits. There was enough experience that one astute blogger said the secondary could be the Bruins’ deepest unit.

Through four games, that hasn’t been the case. UCLA has yet to face a really good quarterback and is still giving up 450 pass yards per game, which is 102nd best in the nation.

The Bruins miss Randall Goforth, who is out for the season with two shoulder injuries, but also just haven’t performed to the level at which they should be.

To combat that, UCLA is moving defensive backs all over the field. A cornerback could be playing safety one play and nickel the next. The idea is to hide the shortcomings and inexperience of particular players by shifting defensive backs all around the field. But according to Coach Jim Mora, it’s more about the versatility of his players.

“We’re always going to look for the best matchup,� Mora said. “It’s almost like on offense. On offense, you’re trying to find the best matchup, so you can formation people and put people in different spots. We’re trying to do a little bit of that on defense in the secondary and get the best matchups and help guys out. We don’t want to overdo it, because you want some continuity, but the ones we’re moving around, they’re experienced enough to handle it and do well.�

Redshirt senior Anthony Jefferson, in particular, showed that versatility against Arizona State. He played almost every defensive back position and was all over the field all night.

“He’s got great versatility,� Mora said. “He played all over the field. He played right corner, left corner, both safeties, didn’t play nickel, but he played very, very well ... just his versatility is huge for us. Huge.�

On Saturday, the Bruins are going against a Utah quarterback, Travis Wilson, who has yet to throw an interception this season and at 6-foot-7, 233 pounds is a load to bring down. Getting big plays from cornerbacks, regardless of their position, is going to be crucial.

Last week against Arizona State, Ishmael Adams played both corner and safety. His big play of the night came when he returned an interception for a touchdown to end the first half. His position? Nickel.

For more Bruin observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook