By Myke William

Sports Reporters

When you are one of the top players in college football and you are you are expected to leave school early and try to make it in the National Football League after your junior year. When UCLA linebacker Myles Jack started his junior season this year everyone knew this would be his last one in Westwood. When he hurt his right knee a few weeks ago and was declared out for the season some people thought his plans had changed.

For him to try to rehab his knee and try to attend classes in a ten week quarter system while walking the steep hills on the UCLA campus on crutches is a tough task for any student. In Jack’s case, he had done just about all he could do for the Bruins the last two years.

As a freshman he was a freshman All-American, started 12 games and was named the offensive and defensive player of the year in the Paic-12. As a sophomore he started all 13 games and made 88 tackles.

During his two-plus years playing for UCLA Jack played inside and outside linebacker, running back and also played in the defensive backfield. Jack also had a wild side. On several occasions he would fight teammates in practice and let his mouth get him into trouble.

At 6-1 and 225 pounds he may have to gain some weight to play linebacker in the NFL but he has the speed and quickness to play strong safety which may be his true position.

Injuries have really hurt UCLA on the defensive side of the ball this year. They have lots players at all levels on the defense. Defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes was expected to be an All-American this year is out for the season and defensive back senior Fabian Moreau is also lost for the season. Add Jack to that list and that puts the Bruins in a very bad situation defensively.

The defensive problems were evident against Arizona State on October 3, when the Bruins gave up 38 points.

Now the Bruins’ defense will be tested again when they take on the high scoring California Golden Bears next Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Rose Bowl. The Bears are led by junior quarterback and national honors candidate Jared Goff.

Goff entered the season already holding 19 school records.

UCLA continues to be led by junior running back Paul Perkins, the 2014 Pac-12 rushing leader, freshman quarterback Josh Rosen , receivers Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte and senior return specialist Devin Fuller.

On defense UCLA relies on defensive lineman Kenny Clark, linebacker Deon Hollins and defensive back Marcus Rios.