Tag: Oluwafemi Oladejo

UCLA Bruins linebacker accepts invite to Reese’s Senior Bowl

One Bruin is headed to Mobile, Alabama.

The season may be over for the UCLA Bruins, but one of their star defensive players still has one game left.

After a breakout season in the Big Ten, UCLA defensive end Oluwafemi Oladejo has accepted his invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Finishing his senior campaign with 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks, Oladejo was a force along the Bruins defensive line all season long.

Oladejo transferred to UCLA after a short stint with the University of California in 2022, racking up over 100 tackles and five sacks with the Bruins. At Cal, Oladejo played mostly as a true linebacker, but a shift to the line of scrimmage improved his numbers and UCLA’s defensive production.

Now, Oladejo has a chance to improve his draft stock with a solid performance in the NCAA’s most prestigious all-star game with NFL scouts in attendance.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl kicks off on February 1st, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PT) on the NFL Network in Mobile, Alabama.

Chiefs scouting report: UCLA Bruins DE Oluwafemi Oladejo

The Kansas City #Chiefs could select UCLA Bruins defensive end Oluwafemi Oladejo in the 2025 NFL draft.

Charles Omenihu suffered a torn ACL during last year’s playoff run, which significantly hindered the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of the 2024 season. Besides George Karlaftis, the team struggles to find reliable production from its defensive ends. The Chiefs should target at least one edge rusher in the 2025 NFL draft.

UCLA defensive lineman Oluwafemi Oladejo opened the season as an off-ball linebacker, but the Bruins asked him to step down and play defensive end. Despite the recent transition, Oladejo’s frame carries the necessary mass to play along the defensive line in the NFL. His arm length isn’t great but should meet the league’s requirements.

Oladejo’s pass-rush plan lacks the development and depth to make an immediate impact at the next level. This places a cap on his draft stock, but analysts remain optimistic about his ability to learn crucial pass-rush moves and counters. He primarily wins with his speed rush, inside spins, chops, rips, and two-handed swipes.

Oladejo needs to develop his hand usage to keep offensive linemen out of his frame. His high pad level and inconsistent use of bend limit his ability to win outside rushes. As a former linebacker, Oladejo lacks the power to bull rush offensive linemen. He generates most of his wins by attacking or countering into the B-gap.

Oladejo makes up for some of his shortcomings as a pass rusher with his work in run defense. He maximizes his arm length to stack, peak, and shed blocks and sets a surprisingly nice edge. Oladejo’s closing burst makes him a threat as a backside run defender, and he frequently blasts through gaps to make tackles in the backfield.

Oladejo’s reliability in run defense and upside as a developing pass rusher suggest he could go as high as the late third round.

UCLA renews its rivalry with USC as the Bruins take on the Trojans at home on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. CST. USC’s offensive line struggled to block talented pass rushers earlier this season and could provide Oladejo with some big play opportunities.

UCLA Bruins defensive end wows Senior Bowl execuative director

One UCLA linebacker earned some high praise from one of college football’s most important scouts.

The UCLA Bruins defense has been a force all season long, with several notable players emerging as top-tier players in the Big Ten. This week, one Bruin caught the eye of college football’s most important scout.

Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, analyzed UCLA defensive end Femi Oladejo after his breakout performance against Iowa.

Nagy, who previously worked as a regional scout for the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs, praised Oladejo for his closing speed and positional versatility.

Referencing his two-sack and four-tackle performance in the Bruins’ win over Iowa, Nagy described Oladejo as one of the “best-looking physical specimens” entering the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

To date, Oladejo has totaled 20 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks this year, and his numbers look to improve as the Bruins close out their season. Having caught the eye of college football’s kingmaker, Oladejo will continue to garner attention as the NFL Draft approaches next year.

Big Ten announces list of players for media days

54 players headed to Big Ten media days.

The UCLA Bruins are about to get their first taste of life in the BIG 10 later this month.

This week, the BIG 10 announced that a whopping 54 players from BIG 10 football programs will be in attendance at their media day in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each team will have three players in attendance to represent their school, and the Bruins have three stars heading to Indy.

Quarterback Ethan Garbers, linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo, and defensive lineman Jay Toia will represent the Bruins on July 24th alongside Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska, and USC. In their first appearance with the BIG 10, the three athletes have an opportunity to show out for Bruins nation.

Though the Bruins are projected to collect near the bottom of the BIG 10 standing this football season, they have a chance to share some insights into how first-year head coach DeShaun Foster is running the program and their aspirations for their first season in the conference.