A source close to the program has indicated that UCLA middle linebacker Steve Sloan has decided to graduate in four years and will end his college football career.

His absence next season could be costly if UCLA runs into any injury issues in the LB corps. With Akeem Ayers leaving for the NFL and Patrick Larimore working back from a shoulder injury, the Bruins go into spring ball with Jordan Zumwalt, Sean Westgate and Glenn Love as the primary options, though linebacker coach Clark Lea is very optimistic about Eric Kendricks and Isaiah Bowens.

UPDATE: From what I’ve been told, this is a completely personal decision. Sloan just wants to move on to the next phase of his life. I’m told he was not forced out, nor was his decision a reflection of the coaching staff, he just felt like it was time to move on.