OVERVIEW: Defensive Coordinator Colin Hitschler
UCLA has undergone a rapid transformation this offseason, and their defense was not left out of the tumult. At the helm of Bob Chesney’s defense in Westwood this year is Colin Hitschler. Hitschler had the same role last year at JMU, where his defense finished as the top ranked unit in the Sun Belt on their way to a College Football Playoff birth. However, the lights will be considerably brighter now that he must stop Power 4 offenses full time. His first test will be a trip up the 5 to try and slow down Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Co.
Hitschler has been Bob Cheney’s right hand man for a significant period of time, having coached for him on three separate occasions. He is a man of the secondary, including stints as Safeties Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator at Alabama, Wisconsin, and Cincinnati. Hitschler brings with him to Westwood JMU Safeties Coach Anthony DiMichelle as well as 5 players from last year’s defense.
SCHEME
Hitschler told reporters to anticipate a similar defensive concept to the 4-2-5 Scheme that brought much success in Harrisonburg. Of note is that he likes to leave his Defensive Backs in Man-to-Man coverage in order to free up players to bring aggressive pressure against the run. With little safety help, one would think that ample opportunity will be available to Cal OC Jordan Somerville and his staff to try and take shots downfield.
In media session, Hitschler continually emphasized the word “versatility” with devotion when elaborating on his philosophy. One imagines that this reflects the difficulty of merging JMU veterans with Foster Era holdovers and new recruits. However, UCLA will bring several marquee defensive players to Berkeley who deserve the attention of coaches and fans alike.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sahir West was the Sun Belt Freshman Defensive player of the year and will certainly draw the ire of Cal’s Offensive Line. He has the makings of a star at the edge position. Look for him to test Cal’s tackles throughout the game.
DJ Barksdale will anchor a very strong Cornerback room for UCLA. He will likely be tasked with trying to stop Ian Strong and Chase Hendricks.
Scooter Jackson: A returning DB who was a rare bright spot last season for UCLA defense. He has the talent to defend Cal’s lightning strike capable receiving core.
Sammy Omosigho: The Oklahoma transfer LB should be a veteran leader on this UCLA team.
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: TRENT HENDRICK
As though murdering our ancestral conference for money was not debased enough for our southern brethren, they invoke the wrath of the Gods, basic human decency, and all forms of hubris by trying to bring a player who attended an NFL minicamp back to college in LB Trent Hendrick. He is a gifted player, earning Sun Belt DPOY honors in 2025. UCLA will certainly be happy to have him, particularly for his ability to bring pressure against the quarterback and take vast numbers of snaps.
POSITION GROUP OVERVIEW:
DEFENSIVE LINE: Sahir West is the talented headliner but there is a significant drop off after him, making this UCLA’s biggest vulnerability. Expect frequent rotation on the interior of this line against Cal’s experienced Guards.
LINEBACKERS: The Bruins have proven, veteran talent at this position and should cause Cal a lot of trouble from this spot.
SECONDARY: UCLA has a stable of solid players here and a coaching staff with continuity and proven success coaching Defensive Backs. However, schematic choices may mean that this group is left burdened with stopping a revamped Cal skill position corps in Man-to-Man coverage and a quarterback who can throw his players open.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
The style of defense that Hitschler and Chesney ran at JMU last year was highly effective when the front 6 could contain the other team. However, they played most of last year with a chasm-like edge in talent that will vanish on Saturday night. If the Bruins are compelled to send extra help into the box early against Cal, it could be a very long night of staving off aerial bombardment. Conversely, if their veteran Linebackers can supplement a developed Defensive Line with star edge pressure, Cal’s Offensive Line may struggle mightily to protect JKS and rejuvenate their hibernating run game.
We will find out which is the case when the sun sets on San Francisco Bay this Saturday night.
A challenging baby bear D, for sure, but I look forward to JKS and our talented receivers and runners flying above and around the "traffic." Go Bears!