UCLA Football: Players to Watch

Anthony Barr-Linebacker

November 17, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) forces a fumble by USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. UCLA won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

When Anthony Barr came out of high school, lots of people thought he would be the kind of player who would be prolific, but not reliable because of durability issues. 42 games later, Barr has been both reliable and prolific.  He is the best linebacker in the nation and it’s not even that close. He, like Hundley, is slated to be at top-10 pick in the NFL Draft.

He is a big guy (6’4, 248 pounds) who plays that way. He dominates because he is usually more athletic than the players he goes up against, he is usually stronger than other players and his set of moves are second to none. He will cause opposing offensive coordinators to double (and sometimes triple) team him, which lends the opportunity for other players to come in uncontested.

Anthony this season has recorded 24 total tackles (17 solo) with eight for a loss. He has three sacks and four forced fumbles. He also loves to just put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.