Caleb Johnson becomes 10th member of UCLA’s defense to enter transfer portal

The switch portal has been so beneficiant to UCLA, frequently offering stars at positions of want, that generally it’s tough to recollect there’s a flip facet.

The Bruins obtained a harsh reminder Thursday night when Caleb Johnson, one among their hardest-hitting inside linebackers, introduced on Twitter that he had entered the switch portal

“Thanks UCLA for the chance,” tweeted Johnson, who has one season of eligibility remaining. “Thanks to my teammates and coaches and all of the followers!”

Johnson’s departure comes after spending a handful of spring observe alongside Darius Muasau, a switch linebacker from Hawaii who was a candidate to take over because the starter at Johnson’s place.

Johnson had began 17 of 18 video games over the past two seasons since his arrival from Fullerton School, main the group in 2020 with 44 tackles and 5½ sacks whereas turning into a second-team All-Pac-12 choice by the Related Press. Final season, Johnson logged 45 tackles and intercepted a move however didn’t have any sacks.

His departure is one other blow to a protection that had already misplaced 5 starters: defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia, edge rusher Mitchell Agude, security Quentin Lake, striker Qwuantrezz Knight and cornerback Jay Shaw.

Johnson turns into the tenth member of the group’s protection to enter the switch portal, becoming a member of Agude; Shaw and fellow defensive backs DJ Warnell and Shamar Martin; linebackers Myles Johnson and AJ Campbell; and defensive linemen Tiaoalii Savea, Tyler Kiehne and John Ward.

The Bruins fortified their defensive depth with the arrival of a number of transfers, together with Muasau, cornerbacks Jaylin Davies (Oregon) and Azizi Hearn (Wyoming), defensive linemen Gary Smith (Duke) and Jacob Sykes (Harvard) and edge rushers Laiatu Latu (Washington) and Grayson and Gabriel Murphy (North Texas).