UCLA football has a transfer redshirt defensive lineman who knows how to pack his bags. Anthony Jones has now been on four teams in just as many years, but he could be solid rotational piece for the Bruins’ pass rush in their 2025 season.
Before college, Anthony Jones played for Nevada high schools and became a three-star recruit, as well as a top prospect out of Nevada for the 2022 class, according to UCLA. He then started his collegiate career in 2022 for the Oregon Ducks, but then transferred to the Indiana Hoosiers and the Michigan State Spartans in the following years.
After recording a single tackle in two games for the Ducks, he was redshirted. He made four starts in 12 games for the Hoosiers the following year only recording 12 tackles, but he would consistently improve and have his best season with the Spartans in 2024. He recorded 25 total tackles with 3.5 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries, according to UCLA.
The Bruins have an abundance of defensive lineman on their roster with 17 in total and 10 of them being upperclassmen. With former experience as an outside linebacker in high school and a defensive end in college, him setting the edge and closing the pocket on the quarterback will be key to his success on the Bruins.
Although, he never stayed on a team long enough to build up his resumé, the 6-foot-5 edge rusher is bound to make plays this upcoming season as a rotational piece. The Bruins are sure to be hoping that his upward trend continues and he has his best year coming up.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA redshirt junior defensive lineman joins fourth team in four years
Reporting by Ryan Lorenz, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
