A Legacy of Tight End Excellence: Exploring UCLA's Football History
UCLA's football program boasts a rich history filled with tradition and success. From their single National Championship in 1954 to five Rose Bowl victories and 17 conference titles, the Bruins have consistently showcased exceptional talent. This article delves into the history of UCLA tight ends, highlighting the players who have made significant contributions to the program's legacy.
Notable UCLA Football Alumni
UCLA has produced five members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, demonstrating the program's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. Several Bruins have enjoyed long and successful professional careers, solidifying UCLA's reputation as a breeding ground for football excellence. Some notable NFL alumni include:
- Randy Cross: Drafted in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Cross played 13 seasons (1976-1988) and won three Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl XVI, Super Bowl XIX, and Super Bowl XXIII). He was also a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Carnell Lake: Selected in the second round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lake played 10 seasons for the Steelers (1989-1998), one season for the Jacksonville Jaguars (1999), and one season for the Baltimore Ravens (2001). He reached Super Bowl XXX with the Steelers and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Kenny Easley: Drafted in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Easley played seven seasons (1981-87) and earned five Pro Bowl selections.
- Maurice Jones-Drew: Chosen in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones-Drew played eight seasons (2006-2013) and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Ken Norton, Jr.: Picked in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Norton played six seasons for the Cowboys (1988-1993) and seven seasons for the San Francisco 49ers (1994-2000). He won three consecutive Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXVIII with the Cowboys, Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers) and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
- James Lofton: Lofton was a 1994 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Hardy Nickerson: Nickerson was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Tom Fears: Drafted in the 11th round of the 1945 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Rams, Fears played nine seasons (1948-1956) and participated in four NFL championship games (1949, 1950, 1951, and 1955), winning the 1951 title. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.
- Bob Waterfield: Selected in the fifth round of the 1944 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Rams, Waterfield played eight seasons (1945-1952). He contributed to the Rams' NFL championship wins in 1945 (Cleveland) and 1951 (Los Angeles). He was a three-time first-team all-Pro and a 1965 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Troy Aikman: Drafted first overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Aikman played 12 seasons (1989-2000), winning three Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXVII, Super Bowl XXVIII, and Super Bowl XXX), earning Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors, and receiving six Pro Bowl selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tight Ends Who Left Their Mark
While UCLA may not have a "huge tradition" of tight ends, several players at the position have distinguished themselves and remain memorable figures in the program's history.
Marcedes Lewis: A Dominant Force
Marcedes Lewis, a Long Beach Poly High School product, stands out as a prominent figure among UCLA tight ends. Known for his reliability and impressive stature (6'6"), Lewis consistently outmatched defenders, securing crucial receptions. He currently holds the 9th spot on UCLA's all-time receptions list with 1,571 yards. In his senior year, Lewis recorded 58 receptions for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 and All-America honors. Lewis played 17 seasons in the NFL, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers.
Mike Seidman: A Versatile Talent
Mike Seidman, a 1998 USA Today high school football first-team All-American from Westlake High School, played college football for the UCLA Bruins. Seidman earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors and set a UCLA single-season record for most receiving yards by a tight end. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft.
Read also: UCLA vs. Illinois: Basketball History
Current Tight End Landscape
The current UCLA team features promising tight end talent, with players like Jack Pedersen poised to make an impact.
Jack Pedersen: Rising Star
Redshirt sophomore Jack Pedersen played in all 12 games last season, recording his first collegiate touchdown against LSU. His increased route running skills and the coaching of Coach Sunseri have positioned him as a contender for a starting role.
Hudson Habermehl: Returning Veteran
Redshirt senior Hudson Habermehl, who suffered an ACL tear during spring practice last year, is expected to be fully healthy by the fall, adding valuable experience and depth to the tight end position.
Coaching and Leadership
The emphasis on unity and alignment within the UCLA football program is evident in the coaching philosophy. Coaches like Jerry Neuheisel and Foster emphasize a shared vision and clear communication. Foster underscores the importance of maintaining "pillars" and ensuring vertical alignment among coaches and players. Neuheisel, drawing from his family's legacy at UCLA, shares a vision for the program's future.
The team's quarterbacks, including senior transfer Joey Aguilar, are also under close guidance, learning new systems and protection schemes. Aguilar, who wears number and is expected to be the starting quarterback, faces the challenge of quickly adapting to a new environment.
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