UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, left, leaps to try to stop Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden as he runs in a touchdown at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 28.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
The expansion of scholarship limits could have unintended consequences. It could eliminate success stories like Carson Schwesinger.
A onetime walk-on, Schwesinger has become the centerpiece of UCLA’s defense, leading the Big Ten with 5.8 solo tackles per game and 9.8 total tackles per game. He’s logged double digits in tackles in each of the last three games, making 12 against Louisiana State, 13 against Oregon and 15 against Penn State.
Schwesinger has joined a long list of walk-ons who blossomed as Bruins, including offensive lineman Niki Prongos, running back Josh Kelley and tight end Caleb Wilson.
“It’s a credit to us, you know, keeping good walk-ons,” Foster said. “You want to get guys who have aspirations of playing at the next level and can help the team and not just want to get into UCLA, so I think we’ve done a good job with some of those guys.
“I knew Carson was a player just from how he was performing on scout team when I was a running back coach. You know, I always tried to give him positive reinforcement and stuff like that and I’m just glad that he’s out there playing at the high level that he’s playing at.”