Tag: Ikaika Malloe

Trio of UCLA coaches make top 25 SuperWestrecruiters list

UCLA has some of the top recruiters

In order for first-time UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster to be successful, adding talented coaches is a big key. And, he has done just that with guys such as Ikaika Malloe and Eric Bieniemy.

SuperWest Sports compiled a list of the top 25 recruiters in the SuperWest, and three UCLA assistants made the cut. Here is where they ranked:

  • #3: Ikaika Malloe, DC
  • #12: Ken Norton Jr., LBs
  • #22: Kodi Whitfield, CBs

The top name on the list is USC assistant Eric Henderson, who spent time in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams.

For new head coach DeShaun Foster, having talented coaches and strong recruiters such as these three is a massive step as they try and bring in recruits and players via the transfer portal.

The coaching staff Foster has put together is full of NFL experience, which certainly helps lure in players in the portal and recruiting front. It;s a step in the right direction.

UCLA DC Ikaika Malloe visits three-star recruit

Ikaika Malloe on the road.

This week, UCLA’s new defensive coordinator, Ikaika Malloe, visited the Aloha State to meet up with one of the Bruins’ future targets. 

Malloe, who was hired in January of this year after serving as the team’s special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach, met with three-star recruit edge defender Lebron Williams. 

Williams, who at 6′ 2″ and 250 pounds, has one more season of football at Kahuku High School in Hawaii. Receiving offers from Washington State, the University of Hawaii, and UCLA, the Bruins are currently the best option. As a BIG 10 program, UCLA dwarfs Washington State and Hawaii in the conference strength and nationwide visibility. 

Despite the critiques of the Bruins recruiting, in large part due to the mismanagement of Chip Kelly, UCLA’s coaching staff has done their due diligence and gone the extra mile to make their recruits feel at home and appreciated. 

If the Bruins see some success in 2024, their efforts in recruiting high-end prospects could pay off with some big commitments soon.

DeShaun Foster, Jay Toia on hand to support Laiatu Latu at NFL Draft

DeShaun Foster and others on hand to see Laiatu Latu get drafted.

The UCLA Bruins football program saw Laiatu Latu hear his name called during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday. He went No. 15 overall to the Indianapolis Colts, ending a string of 14 straight offensive players to be selected.

And, even more impressive, is that a few Bruins coaches and players were there to support him. DeShaun Foster, defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe, teammate Jay Toia, and athletic director Martin Jarmond were all there to support Latu.

DeShaun Foster is wasting no time making strong impressions in his first year as UCLA head coach, and them being there to see Latu get selected is quite something.

Latu then had his introductory press conference on Friday in Indianapolis and had plenty of things to say as his UCLA career comes to an end and he begins his NFL journey.

The Bruins contingent had to go back to LA to prepare for the Spring Game on April 27. 

UCLA football finds its D’Anton Lynn replacement at defensive coordinator

UCLA promoted from within for its defensive coordinator spot.

The USC Trojans fired Alex Grinch and then stunned the college football world by hiring UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

After Lynn went from one Los Angeles school to the other, the Bruins immediately searched for a replacement. Now, they have promoted Ikaika Malloe to be the defensive coordinator, per the release from the program:

“UCLA head football coach Chip Kelly announced Wednesday he has elevated Ikaika Malloe to the position of defensive coordinator.”

Malloe has two decades of coaching experience and has been at UCLA for the past two, being in charge of the outside linebackers and then the defensive line this past season.

Bruin coach Chip Kelly gave a statement after the news dropped: “Ikaika has a track record of developing NFL talent on the field and outstanding young men off it. I am excited to watch this next step for him and our team.”

D’Antonn Lynn had UCLA’s defense playing at a high level, so Malloe has big shoes to fill as the Bruins enter the Big Ten.

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