VIDEO: Adrian Klemm talks Xavier Su’a-Filo’s draft decision, state of offensive line

— Bowl practices have become almost like an extra training camp, which helps an offensive line that has been juggled around through the season. Individual sessions have been bumped up from 10 minutes to about 30 minutes per practice.

— Judging from what offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said Friday, junior guard Xavier Su’a-Filo could likely be on an NFL roster this time next year. The All-American is still waiting for his evaluation to come back from the NFL draft advisory board to help him decide whether or not to declare early.

“He knows what I think about it,” the assistant coach said. “You come here to have success after you’re done here. If that’s one year earlier, he needs to go ahead and do that. I don’t want to hold him back from it. I want to see him do well. …

“There’s not much more he can accomplish in terms of accolades. He can sharpen up some things, but if he comes out and he’s the first or second guard taken, I think it’s a no-brainer.” Continue reading “VIDEO: Adrian Klemm talks Xavier Su’a-Filo’s draft decision, state of offensive line” »

Pac-12 opponents vote Xavier Su’a-Filo top offensive lineman

If you ask those who play against him, Xavier Su’a-Filo is the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12. The UCLA junior won the Morris Trophy Thursday, an award voted on by opposing defensive lineman — and an honor that pushes him out of the shadow of another conference guard.

Stanford’s David Yankey has been widely regarded as the position’s standard bearer this season, not only in the league but arguably across all of college football. With a year of eligibility left, the 6-foot-5, 313-pounder earned unanimous All-American honors this year — the eighth player in Cardinal history to do so.

Su’a-Filo was a second-team AP All-American, but was forced to move from left guard to left tackle to help patch a battered Bruins’ line. He has not yet decided whether or not to declare for the 2014 NFL draft.

Arizona State tackle Will Sutton won the defensive Morris Trophy, as voted on by opposing offensive lineman.

Anthony Barr makes AP first team, consensus All-American

Linebacker Anthony Barr is UCLA’s first consensus All-American since 2009, earning the honor with his inclusion on the Associated Press‘ first team. (File photo by Brad Graverson/Daily Breeze)

Linebacker Anthony Barr is UCLA’s first consensus All-American since 2009, earning the honor with his inclusion on the Associated Press‘ first team. (File photo by Brad Graverson/Daily Breeze)

Linebacker Anthony Barr is UCLA’s first consensus All-American since 2009, earning the honor with his inclusion on the Associated Press‘ first team.

The senior also made the Walter Camp and Sporting News All-American teams. The NCAA recognizes five All-American teams, acknowledging the AFCA and FWAA in addition to the aforementioned three lists. Continue reading “Anthony Barr makes AP first team, consensus All-American” »

UCLA football banquet awards

UCLA held its annual end-of-season banquet Sunday night at Beverly Hilton, handing out team awards in 15 different categories. These were the results.

Henry R. “Red” Sanders Award for Most Valuable Player
Offense – OL Xavier Su’a-Filo
Defense – LB Anthony Barr

Paul I. Wellman Award for All-Around Excellence
QB Brett Hundley

Nick “Pac” Pasquale Award for Outstanding Scout Team Player
Offense – OL Carl Hulick
Defense – DE Zach Vinci
Special Teams – RB Ryan Davis

Kenneth S. Washington Award for Outstanding Senior of the Year
Offense – Shaq Evans
Defense – Jordan Zumwalt
Special Teams – Stan McKay Continue reading “UCLA football banquet awards” »

Xavier Su’a-Filo lays out his upcoming NFL draft decision


Junior offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo spoke recently about whether or not he will enter the 2014 NFL draft. The biggest factor in his decision will be his grade evaluation, but said he didn’t know a cutoff point that would push him one way or the other. His turning 23 in January, the age of many fifth-year seniors, will also affect his decision; his two-year LDS mission had pushed back his eligibility clock, and could prompt him to leave early in hopes of a longer career.

Su’a-Filo could be an eventual first-rounder at guard, but likely needs to add more strength before NFL franchises see fit to pick him that high.