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Foster Calls This Position One of UCLA's 'Deepest Rooms'

UCLA Bruins' Linebacker Corps Shines Under DeShaun Foster's Leadership: Spotlight on JonJon Vaughns and Carson Schwesinger

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the UCLA Bruins are navigating a new era under head coach DeShaun Foster, a former Bruins running back who has stepped into the spotlight following Chip Kelly's departure. Foster, known for his hard-nosed playing style during his NFL days with the Carolina Panthers and his subsequent coaching stints, brings a fresh perspective to Westwood. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, much attention has turned to the defensive side of the ball, particularly the linebacker unit, which has emerged as a potential strength. Among the standouts are JonJon Vaughns and Carson Schwesinger, two players who embody the grit and determination Foster is instilling in his squad. Their development, leadership, and on-field contributions are not just bolstering the Bruins' defense but also serving as a testament to Foster's coaching philosophy.

DeShaun Foster's transition from running backs coach to head coach has been marked by an emphasis on building a tough, resilient team culture. Having played for UCLA from 1998 to 2001, where he amassed over 3,000 rushing yards and earned All-Pac-10 honors, Foster understands the program's storied history and the expectations that come with it. His approach is rooted in fundamentals, player development, and fostering a sense of family within the team. This mindset has been particularly evident in how he's handled the linebacker group, a position that requires a unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and instincts. Foster has publicly praised the progress of his linebackers, noting their ability to adapt to new schemes and their unwavering commitment to improvement. In a recent press interaction, he highlighted how these players are stepping up, not just in practice but in leadership roles, helping to bridge the gap between the old regime and the new.

At the heart of this linebacker resurgence is JonJon Vaughns, a redshirt junior who has quietly become a cornerstone of the Bruins' defense. Vaughns, hailing from Pasadena, California, arrived at UCLA with high expectations after a standout high school career at St. Francis High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete excelling in football and track. His journey hasn't been without challenges; injuries and depth chart battles have tested his resolve. However, under Foster's guidance, Vaughns has flourished. Last season, he appeared in several games, showcasing his speed and tackling ability in limited snaps. Foster has described Vaughns as a "student of the game," someone who spends extra hours in the film room dissecting opponents' tendencies and refining his own techniques. This dedication has translated to on-field performance, where Vaughns' quick reads and pursuit angles have disrupted running plays and provided solid coverage in pass defense.

What sets Vaughns apart is his versatility. In today's college football, linebackers must be multifaceted, capable of dropping into coverage against speedy receivers or blitzing to pressure quarterbacks. Vaughns embodies this modern archetype. During spring practices, he demonstrated improved footwork and awareness, attributes that Foster attributes to targeted coaching sessions focused on agility drills and situational awareness. Teammates have noted his vocal leadership, often rallying the defense during high-pressure moments. As the Bruins look to compete in the competitive Big Ten Conference—following their move from the Pac-12—Vaughns' ability to anchor the second level of the defense will be crucial. Foster has expressed confidence in Vaughns' potential to emerge as a starter, potentially leading the team in tackles if he maintains his trajectory. His story is one of perseverance, from overcoming early setbacks to becoming a reliable force, and it aligns perfectly with Foster's narrative of building from within.

Complementing Vaughns is Carson Schwesinger, another rising star in the linebacker room whose path to UCLA is equally compelling. Schwesinger, a redshirt sophomore from nearby Thousand Oaks, California, joined the Bruins after a decorated prep career at Oaks Christian School, where he was known for his relentless motor and football IQ. Unlike some recruits who arrive with fanfare, Schwesinger has been a developmental project, redshirting his freshman year to bulk up and learn the intricacies of college-level defense. His breakthrough came in the latter part of last season, where he saw increased playing time and made impactful plays, including key stops in run defense. Foster has been effusive in his praise for Schwesinger, calling him a "tackling machine" with an innate ability to be around the ball.

Schwesinger's strengths lie in his physicality and instincts. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 230 pounds, he possesses the ideal build for a middle linebacker, allowing him to shed blocks and pursue ball carriers with authority. Foster has incorporated specific training regimens to enhance Schwesinger's explosiveness, including plyometric exercises and simulated game scenarios that mimic the chaos of live action. This coaching has paid dividends, as Schwesinger has shown marked improvement in his ability to diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly. In team scrimmages, he's been a standout, often leading in tackles and demonstrating leadership by mentoring younger players. Foster sees Schwesinger as a potential game-changer, someone who can disrupt offenses with his blitzing prowess and coverage skills in zone schemes.

The synergy between Vaughns and Schwesinger is particularly noteworthy. Together, they form a dynamic duo that could anchor the Bruins' defense for years to come. Foster has emphasized the importance of chemistry in the linebacker corps, encouraging group film sessions and off-field bonding activities to build trust. This approach has fostered a unit that's not only talented but cohesive, capable of adapting to various defensive coordinators' strategies. With the addition of new defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe, who brings experience from Washington and a focus on aggressive, turnover-forcing defenses, Vaughns and Schwesinger are poised to thrive. Malloe's system, which often employs multiple linebacker sets, plays to their strengths, allowing them to showcase their range and tackling efficiency.

Looking ahead, the Bruins' success in the upcoming season will hinge on defensive improvements, especially after a 2023 campaign that saw inconsistencies in stopping the run and generating pressure. Foster's optimism about his linebackers stems from their work ethic and the progress they've made in fall camp. Vaughns, with his speed and football acumen, could be the X-factor in containing mobile quarterbacks, while Schwesinger's power might prove vital against run-heavy offenses like those in the Big Ten. Foster has shared anecdotes from practices where these two have stepped up, making plays that energize the entire team. Their development is a microcosm of the broader rebuild under Foster, who is focused on recruiting local talent and developing them into stars, much like he was during his playing days.

Beyond their individual talents, Vaughns and Schwesinger represent the cultural shift Foster is implementing. In an era where the transfer portal tempts players to seek immediate playing time elsewhere, both have chosen to stay and grind, embodying loyalty and resilience. This mindset resonates with Foster, who often draws from his own experiences of overcoming obstacles in his career. As UCLA prepares for high-stakes matchups against teams like LSU and Oregon, the linebacker group's performance will be under the microscope. If Vaughns and Schwesinger continue to progress, they could elevate the Bruins' defense from middling to elite, potentially leading to a bowl game appearance or even a surprise run in the conference.

In summary, DeShaun Foster's influence on the UCLA Bruins is already evident in the linebacker room, where JonJon Vaughns and Carson Schwesinger are emerging as leaders and playmakers. Their stories of growth, combined with Foster's strategic coaching, paint a promising picture for the program's future. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on these young talents to see if they can translate potential into production on the field. For Bruins fans, this duo offers hope amid transition, a reminder that with the right guidance, homegrown talent can shine brightly in the competitive world of college football. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/ucla/bruins-deshaun-foster-linebackers-jonjon-vaughns-carson-schwesinger ]