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Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Jim Mora during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Who are the 30 greatest UCLA Football players of all time? Go Joe Bruin tells you!
The UCLA Football team has a rich history of tradition and success. From the only National Championship in 1954 to their 5 Rose Bowl wins to their 17 conference titles, UCLA has seen it all.
Here we will focus on the individuals that have contributed to much of that success. The following slideshow brings together 30 of the greatest UCLA Football players. There are several players that younger generations will recognize, but we also wanted to included some greats that might not be known.
We bring all of that to you, Bruins fans.
But who is the greatest of all-time? It was a hard decision, but the staff of Go Joe Bruin has pulled together to make the very difficult decision. As much as we would like to list every single one of these Bruins as the greatest of all-time, and there were several good candidates, there could only be one.
So let us start by counting down to the best Bruins to put on the blue and gold…
Sep 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) can not come up with the catch in the end zone in overtime against Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner (20) at Reliant Stadium. The Houston Texans beat the Tennessee Titans 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
30. Alterraun Verner CB (2006-09)
Verner came to UCLA after dominating the sports landscape on both the gridiron and track as a senior at Lakewood High School. During his time at UCLA, Verner racked up 279 tackles, 12 TFL and 13 interceptions. Perhaps his most memorable was an 76-yd return against the then 12th ranked Cal Bears in 2007 to ice the game.
Verner parlayed his impressive career in Westwood into a fifth round selection by the Tennessee Titans where he started 10 games as a rookie. In 2014 he signed a 4 year, 26.5 million dollar contract to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-Michael C.
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
29. Myles Jack RB/LB (2013-15)
Although his time was short in Westwood, Jack brought a huge boost of excitement to a UCLA program that was already riding a bit of a lift behind head coach Jim Mora. What we saw with his as a freshman could only be described was electric. Whether he was tackling ball carriers sideline to sideline, displaying speed and athleticism rarely seen in a man his size, or pounding the rock, Jack was a marvel to see.
After suffering a knee injury during practice, Jack was lost for the year in 2015 and decided to forgo his senior year by entering the NFL draft. He was selected in the second round, largely due to questions about his knee, by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
-Michael C.
28. Brian Price DT (2007-09)
Despite not having much in the way of a pro-career, Price was dominant during his time for the Bruins. As a defensive tackle, Price was the epitome of a three technique with his outstanding quickness and agility at the point of attack. As a junior in 2009 Price recorded 23.5 tackles for loss.
That mind boggling number led to him declaring early for the 2010 NFL draft where he was taken in the second round by the Tampa Buccaneers. By 2013 Price was out of the league.
-Michael C.
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Kai Forbath (5) celebrates as he walks off of the field following their win against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
27. Kai Forbath, K (2006-10)
Helping keep the excellent special teams traditions alive, Forbath was solid as a rock for the Bruins during his UCLA tenure. Named the Lou Groza Award Winner which goes to the best kicker in college, Forbath was a fixture for the Bruins for four years after his redshirt year. Starting in 2007 he nailed 25-30 FG attempts and was perfect on extra points. As a senior he buried a 51 yard game winning FG against Oregon State and was named the Pac-10 special teams player of the week.
After being signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an UDFA, Forbath has bounced around the NFL but seems to have found a home with the New Orleans Saints in the Super Dome.
-Michael C.
UCLA logo inside Pauley Pavilion
Photo Credit: Mike Regalado
26. David Ball, DE (2000-2003)
Ball often slips through the cracks of great UCLA Bruins but really had some stellar play during his collegiate career. As a senior Ball racked up 16.5 sacks which led the nation and helped him set the UCLA record for sacks at 30.5. In that same year he was selected as a unanimous All-American and won the Pop Warner which goes to a player who has shown excellence in athletics, academics and humanitarianism.
Ball was selected in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers but had his greatest success with the Tennessee Titans from 2008-2011.
-Michael C.
25. Skip Hicks, RB (1993-97)
Hicks played running back from 93-94 and 96-97. In his senior season, he set conference single-season records in touchdowns and total points and was named a first team All-American.
He finished his career as the Pac-10’s all time touchdown leader, with 55. He is the only player in school history to exceed 100 yards rushing and receiving in a single game. Hicks scored a then school-record four touchdowns in a single game five times.
-Mike Regalado
Jan 12, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A UCLA Bruins logo at the entrance to Pauley Pavilion before the UCLA Bruins defeated Arizona State Sun Devils 87-72. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports
24. Mel Farr, RB (1964-66)
Part of the “Dream Backfield” with UCLA Football’s only Heisman winner, Gary Beban, Farr help lead the ’65 Bruins to an 8-2-1 record, an AAWU conference championship and memorable 1966 Rose Bowl victory over #1 Ohio State.
In that season he ran for 821 yards and 180 receiving yards. Farr averaged 6.7 rushing yards per carry which was 2nd best in the nation.
Farr upped his efforts in the 1966 season with 1,034 total yards and 11 touchdowns. UCLA finished 9-1 that season and #5 in the final AP poll. That year, Farr finished 7th in the Heisman votes.
During the 1967 NFL Draft, Farr was chosen 7th overall by the Detroit Lions and spent seven years in the league.
In 1988, Farr was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame
-Mike Regalado
Sept 25, 2010; Austin, TX, USA; A member of the UCLA Bruins holds up his helmet to acknowledge their fans against the Texas Longhorns during the fourth quarter at Texas Memorial Stadium. UCLA beat Texas 34-12. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-US PRESSWIRE
23. Freeman McNeil, RB (1977-80)
Freeman McNeil – McNeil played running back from 1977-1980. He finished his career with the school records for single-season rushing yards and career all-purpose yards – his totals currently rank fifth and third, respectively. McNeil was named All-Pac-10 in ’79 and ’80 and was an All-American in 1980.
-Nathan E.
22. Kenny Washington, RB (1937-39)
Washington shared a backfield with Jackie Robinson. Like Robinson, Washington would go on to break a color barrier in his professional sport, being the first black player signed by an NFL team.
At UCLA, Washington was the feature single-wing back, leading the team in passing and rushing all three seasons. His 1,915 career rushing yards were a school record until 1972. In 1939, Washington was a consensus all-American and was only denied such honors as the Heisman Trophy due to racial prejudice in the national press.
-Nathan E.
Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins helmets during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
21. Eric Turner, DB (1987-90)
Eric Turner – Turner played free safety at UCLA from 1987-1990, three years as a starter. He was named a Freshman All-American in 1987 and an Sophomore All-American in 1988.
Turner was second on the team in tackles in 1989 with 141, and led the team in 1990 with 93. In his senior season, Turner was named an All-American and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award; he was named UCLA’s defensive MVP. His career marks in tackles and interceptions rank sixth and fourth, respectively, in school history.
-Nathan E.
20. John Lee, K (1984-86)
Officially Min Jong Lee born in Seoul, South Korea, “John” Lee goes down in UCLA Football history as one of the greatest kickers to ever wear blue and gold. Lee was a two-time All-American (1984, 1985) kicker for the Bruins that had an illustrious college career, winning three Rose Bowls (1984, 1985, 1986).
Lee left the Bruins with an array of school and NCAA records which includes…
Lee was a 2nd round draft pick (32nd overall) in the 1986 NFL Draft who was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. Lee finished his career with the Oakland Raiders after
He was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame in 2001.
-Mike Regalado
19. Gaston Green, RB (1984-87)
Gaston Green – Running back for the Bruins from 1984-1987, Green was the team’s offensive MVP in his junior and senior seasons. In his senior season, Green set UCLA single-season rushing records in yards, touchdowns, and 100-yard games. He finished eighth in Heisman balloting and was named an All-American. His career rushing total of 3,731 yards stood as a school record until broken by Johnathan Franklin in 2012.
-Nathan E.
December 2, 2011; Eugene, OR, USA; Detailed view of a UCLA Bruins helmet on the field prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks during the Pac-12 Championship game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
18. Carnell Lake, LB/DB (1985-88)
Lake played linebacker from 1985-1988. His 25.5 career sacks ranks fourth all time in school history. In 1987, he led the Pac-10 and set a school record with 13 sacks. In 1988, Lake was named an All-American and was a semifinalist for the Butkus and Lombardi Awards.
-Nathan E.
Dec 18, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (89) against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
17. Marcedes Lewis, TE (2002-05)
UCLA has not had a huge tradition of tight ends, but the ones that stood out are forever engrained in our memories. One in particular is the pride of Long Beach Poly Marcedes Lewis.
Lewis was the go-to guy that the Bruins could rely on play after play. Standing at 6’6″, Lewis was able to tower over defenders was easy grabs. He also had a great set of hands on him.
Lewis is 9th on the UCLA all-time receptions list with 1,571 yards. In his senior year, he caught 58 passes for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns. That season he was a first team selection for All-Pac-12 and All-America teams.
Lewis is currently in his 11th season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
-Mike Regalado
16. Randy Cross, OL (1973-75)
Randy Cross was a huge part of the UCLA football team that beat top-ranked Ohio State in the 1976 Rose Bowl. Before being an offensive-lineman at UCLA, he was enrolled at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California. Randy Cross was also a two time shot-put Champion at Crespi.
While at UCLA he was an All-American while. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round and he went on to win three Super Bowl championships and three Pro Bowl selections (all with the 49ers). He is definitely one of the most successful, yet underappreciated UCLA Bruins of all time. Randy Cross, a true: champion, winner, and UCLA Bruin.
-Andrew Goodman
15. DeShaun Foster, RB (1998-2001)
Foster’s 3,087 career rushing yards rank fifth all time at UCLA, and his 39 career rushing touchdowns is tied for second with Gaston Green. He set a school record with 301 yards rushing in a single game during his senior season. Foster was the nation’s leading Heisman contender until late into the 2001 season.
-Nathan E.
Nov 22, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
14. Brett Hundley, QB (2012-14)
Hundley’s first career play from scrimmage was a 72-yard touchdown run. In his three year career, Hundley broke school records for career touchdowns and career total offense, both set by Cade McNown over four seasons.
Hundley finished his career second in the UCLA record books behind McNown in career passing yards and second behind John Sciarra in rushing yards by a quarterback. He led the UCLA to a three-year record of 29-11 and to three straight victories over USC.
-Nathan E.
13. Jerry Robinson, LB (1975-78)
Robinson lettered at wide receiver in 1975 before converting to linebacker for the 1976-1978 seasons. His 468 career tackles are UCLA’s second most, and he holds the two highest single-season tackle marks in school history.
He was the first bruin to earn consensus All-American honors three straight years, and the first nationally to do so in almost 30 years. Robinson finished 10th in Heisman balloting in 1978, and his number 84 has been retired at UCLA.
-Nathan E.
12. J. J. Stokes, WR (1991-94)
Stokes’ junior season in 1993 was his breakout year, where he set school receiving records, was a finalist for the National Offensive Player of the Year award, finished seventh in Heisman balloting (the only junior in the top 10), was named a consensus All-American, and was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year.
In the Rose Bowl at the end of that season, Stokes set a Rose Bowl receiving record of 14 catches for 176 yards. He entered his senior season as the nation’s leading Heisman favorite until sidelined by a thigh contusion. He finished his career in the top ten in school history in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
-Nathan E.
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
11. Ken Norton, Jr., LB (1984-87)
While at UCLA, Ken Norton left a lasting legacy with his defensive presence on the field for the UCLA Bruins. Ken Norton, a local product out of Westchester High School in California, he played running back before being converted to linebacker at UCLA, a change that very well changed his football career.
In four seasons at UCLA (1984-1987) he was apart of the 1985 UCLA team that won the conference championship, he was selected to the first-team All-PAC-10 the same season he was selected as an All-American in 1987. Ken Norton left UCLA ranking sixth in school history with 339 tackles in his career. In 1998, he was inducted to the UCLA Hall of Fame.
-Andrew Goodman
November 17, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin (23) breaks a tackle by USC Trojans safety T.J. McDonald (7) and runs for a gain in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. UCLA won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
10. Jonathan Franklin, RB (2009-12)
Franklin finished his career as UCLA’s all-time leader in rushing and all-purpose yards and fifth in the all-time Pac-10/12 career rushing ranks.
His 19 career 100-yard rushing games is the second most in school history. In his senior season in 2012, Franklin set new school records in single-season rushing yards, all-purpose yards, and 100-yard rushing games. He was named a first team All-American and runner-up for the Doak Walker Award.
-Nathan E.
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
9. Anthony Barr, LB (2010-13)
Barr played running back in 2010 and 2011 before converting to linebacker for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In his two years at the linebacker position, Barr amassed enough tackles for loss and sacks to put him in the top ten all-time career leaders at UCLA. He was second in the nation in sacks in 2012 and was named an All-American. In 2013, Barr won the Lott IMPACT Trophy, given to the nation’s best defender.
-Nathan E.
8. Cade McNown, QB (1995-98)
Arguably one of the best UCLA quarterbacks, McNown broke many passing and total-offense records in time at UCLA. McNown, a UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and Johnny Unitas awardee, is the only UCLA quarterback to have a 4-0 record against USC.
McNown took over as the starting quarterback for UCLA four games into the 1995 season as a true freshman. The Bruins finished the season 7-5, losing against Kansas in the Aloha Bowl. Although McNown’s sophomore season was not as successful, the quarterback led UCLA to an overtime win against USC after the Bruins had been trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter. In his junior year, McNown’s numbers exploded as he led the nation in passing efficiency and the Bruins to a No. 5 ranking and a 10-2 season. The Bruins capped the season with a win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
In his senior year, McNown led the Bruins to a school-record 20-game winning streak. That year, UCLA would have made it to the BCS Championship Game, if not for losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the Bruins’ regular season finale. The Bruins went on to lose to Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.
McNown was selected in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
-Ashley Tellier
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew (21) is pursued by St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) at Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Raiders 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
7. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB (2003-05)
Maurice Jones-Drew – Drew played running back in 2004 and 2005. He finished his UCLA career with the school records for career and single-season all purpose yards. His 20 touchdowns in his junior (and final) season rank second on the school single-season list, and his 39 career touchdowns rank fourth, despite only playing two years.
Sixteen of his 39 career touchdowns were of 40 yards or longer. He set an NCAA record of a career punt return average of 28.5 yards, including three touchdowns of 66, 72, and 81 yards. Drew’s phenomenal junior season earned him unanimous first-team All-American status and made him a Doak Walker Award semifinalist.
-Nathan E.
6. Jackie Robinson, QB/RB (1939-41)
While it was his role in breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball that made him famous, Robinson also starred for the UCLA football team. He transferred from Pasadena Junior College in 1939 and joined Bruin great Kenny Washington in the backfield for a team that went 6-0-4 and finished ranked 7th in the nation. Robinson was the first Bruin to letter in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.
-Nathan E.
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
5. Eric Kendricks, LB (2010-14)
Eric Kendricks is the best and most beloved UCLA Football player in the last ten years. Using the entirety of his eligibility to play all four years, Kendricks made an impact every single season. Anchoring the middle of the linebacking unit, Kendricks found a way to impact the game on defense as he helped UCLA become one of the best defenses in the Pac-12.
With 476 total tackles, Kendricks is UCLA Football’s all-time leading tackler.
-Mike Regalado
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys former player and Fox broadcaster Troy Aikman on the field during warm-ups prior to the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
4. Troy Aikman, QB (1986-88)
That is right Ladies and Gentlemen, you know him, you love him, The Great 8… TROY AIKMAN!!!
Aikman was a transfer from Oklahoma and started during the 1987 season. Though he only played for the Bruins for two years, Aikman made a statement for himself as he amassed a 20-4 record in his time.
-Mike Regalado
3. Kenny Easley, S (1977-80)
Kenny Easley – Easley played safety for UCLA from 1977-1980, where he was the first player in conference history to be named first team All-Pac-10 all four years of his career. He finished ninth in Heisman balloting in 1980.
Easley was UCLA’s second three-time All-American. He is still UCLA’s all-time leader in career interceptions with 19 and ranks fourth all time in career tackles. Easley was drafted fourth overall in the 1981 NFL draft, and his jersey, number 5, has been retired by UCLA.
-Nathan E.
Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Jonathan Ogden during the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jonathan Ogden, OT (1993-96)
Jonathan Ogden was one of the most decorated, successful UCLA Bruins of all time. In 1993, in his sophomore season Ogden helped guide the Bruins to the PAC-10 Championship and the Rose Bowl. He started at left tackle for all four years while at UCLA, and only gave up two sacks ever. In 1995, Jonathan Ogden won the Outland Trophy and the Morris trophy which recognize the best Lineman of the Year.
Among other things, he was also a unanimous All-American. The winning did not stop there. After being selected #4 overall in the 1996 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens, he went on to be an: 11 time Pro Bowler, 5 times First-team All Pro, Super Bowl champion, and a member of the NFL’s 200’s All-Decade Team. His jersey was retired at UCLA, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame in 2013.
-Andrew Goodman
1. Gary Beban, QB (1965-67)
Arguably the best quarterback ever at UCLA, Gary Beban was a winner on and off the field. Nicknamed “The Great One,” Gary Beban propelled UCLA to some of their best football in school history. He lead the UCLA Bruins to three straight winning seasons, he was named All-PAC12 three times, and overall Gary Beban was 24-5-2 at UCLA.
As a sophomore he lead UCLA to an absolutely remarkable come from behind victory against cross-town rival USC. In the 1966 Rose Bowl, he went on to lead the UCLA Bruins to victory over then number one ranked Michigan State.
In 1967, Gary Beban won the coveted Heisman Award, as well as the Maxwell Award. Although he failed to beat USC in 1967, which is often regarded as the best college football game ever, his legacy while at UCLA is undeniable.
-Andrew Goodman
Have any comments about our list? Let us know below. Go Bruins!
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