UCLA Football: Redshirt Senior Analyzes Role Adjustments and Defensive Coordinator

The college football season is approaching, and your UCLA Bruins will soon be on the gridiron. A new season means some new changes for the Bruins; we cannot wait to see how it plays out. "

The Bruins have a new defensive coordinator, a new quarterback, and some new pieces on both sides of the ball, but they will have one returner, which will be redshirt senior defensive back Alex Johnson.

Johnson played in all 13 games in 2022 as a defensive back and on special teams, and he will surely do the same in 2023; however, his role will be alight different under new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. 

He told reporters he will be playing nickel and defensive back this season. 

"My role does change; I'm moving around nickel and safety. I've always known multiple positions since I have been here, so yeah, I'll be moving around nickel and safety." 

^{(via Alex Johnson)}

The SoCal native recorded ten solo tackles, seven assist tackles, and three pass deflections. 2022 was his best season at UCLA, and he's looking to have an even bigger one this upcoming season under coach Lynn. 

Johnson gave his thoughts on his new coach and the type of perspective he brings to the squad. 

"He's been awesome. Just getting a new perspective on what he sees from the game, bringing the NFL knowledge. Coach Lynn lives, breathes football. Ever since he was young, he's moved around from different positions in the NFL, coaches linebackers, corners, safeties, his dad was a coach. Just getting his perspective, picking his brain, it's been awesome." 

^{(via Alex Johnson)}

Lynn has been around the block a handful of times and will surely bring that experience and knowledge to the Bruins. Johnson will play a significant role this season, and Lynn will make sure he and the rest of his guys are dialed in. 

This season will be fun, and we can't wait to see how it plays out.