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UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia is listed at 325 pounds, but he is hoping to move a little faster this season and be able to “get into the backfield to disrupt” opposing offenses more often. He said he wanted to lose weight. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Defensive lineman Jay Toia will rejoin the UCLA football program on Monday night after entering the transfer portal last week.
“Jay was here today,” UCLA football coach Deshaun Foster told Southern California News Group on the UCLA football podcast Bleav on Monday. “I had a team meeting, so I looked over and saw a big jay.”
The Grace Brethren graduate started 12 of 13 games and recorded 28 tackles (1 for loss, 4 for loss) and 1 sack in 2023. Toia helped anchor a defense that included edge rushers Laiatu Latu, Gabriel and Grayson Murphy. All three players are scheduled to be drafted by NFL teams later this week.
Toia will likely be considered a top NFL prospect for the Bruins in 2024.
“I’m just excited,” Foster said. “Authenticity is a special thing here. We're just a family, and being away from family can be tough. We're so happy Jay is in this building and we're so excited to have him in this building.” We're going to continue to be Bruins and continue to put up fences and protect our guys.”
According to 247sports, he was ranked as the third-best defensive lineman in the transfer portal.
His latest decision marks the second time the Bruins have found success with Toia in the transfer portal. The defensive lineman was the Bruins' highest-rated recruit in the 2021 class after transferring from the University of Southern California after spring training.
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