UCLA’s Laiatu Latu Dominating with 4.0 Sacks in 2023 Season
Elite Defense Key to UCLA's Rose Bowl Hopes
In a bid to make their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1999, UCLA is relying on an elite defense, and the standout in their ranks is none other than Laiatu Latu.
This California native has been nothing short of a force to reckon with in the 2023 season. After just two games, Latu has claimed the top spot nationally in a vital category – sacks. With a whopping 4.0 sacks already under his belt, he’s setting the bar high for defensive players across the nation. Moreover, he boasts an impressive 6.0 tackles-for-loss, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.
Latu’s incredible performance has been on full display during games against Coastal Carolina and SDSU, leaving fans and analysts in awe. His transformation into UCLA’s premier pass-rushing threat is a testament to his dedication and talent.
A year ago, Latu made his mark at UCLA after transferring from Washington. At that time, he was recovering from a neck injury, making him somewhat underweight and technically raw. Fast forward to today, and Latu is a more robust and agile player. His improved physique has made him more durable throughout the season, without compromising his explosive speed off the edge.
What sets Latu apart is his exceptional flexibility. Typically, players of his size tend to lack lateral quickness, but not Latu. He moves with the agility of a smaller athlete, evident in his lightning-quick off-the-edge plays. His ability to outmaneuver offensive tackles is truly remarkable, as seen in the clip where he surges past them effortlessly.
The future looks exceedingly bright for Latu, with NFL franchises keeping a close eye on him. His knack for pressuring opposing quarterbacks is highly coveted in professional football. Numerous mock drafts have already positioned Latu as a potential Top-10 pick, underscoring his immense talent and potential impact at the next level.