Chip Kelly identifies what stands out about Femi Oladejo

UCLA Bruins picked up some quality talent from out of the transfer portal this offseason, like former in-state rival linebacker Femi Oladejo. Over the spring, the six-foot-three junior has stood out during the Bruins’ spring practices. And following their final practice heading into the summer, head coach Chip Kelly identifies what he believes stands out about Oladejo.

“Yeah, Femi’s been tremendous since we’ve been here. He’s got a great work ethic; (he) loves studying film,” said Kelly. “It always seems like he’s in our building doing something to make himself a better football player. So, his mindset has really fit in very well with that whole group and how Cam teaches.

The former Golden Bear is an ideal blend of size and speed. And as an added bonus for Kelly and the Bruins, he enters the program with three years of eligibility remaining to play two seasons for the Bruins. And since It’s his first transfer so he will be immediately eligible to play in 2023.

“He’s obviously got some physical qualities that we really like. He’s tall, (and) he’s long, covers a lot of space in a short amount of time; he’s got really good movement skills for a guy that big, can get into a lot of passing lanes and disrupt some things because of his length. But I really just think it’s his work ethic and his mindset that have been really, really impressive so far since he got here in January.”

More on Oladejo

Oladejo played high school football at Cosumnes Oaks High in Elk Grove, CA, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 722 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In his freshman year at California, Oladejo played in nine games, playing in his first career start against the Oregon State Beavers. To end year one of his collegiate career, Oladejo recorded 38 total tackles, 21 solo, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries. Last season for Golden Bears, he added had a nice jump in production while playing in three more games (12) than in 2021. Oladejo finished with 91 total tackles, 43 solo, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. He also scooped up a fumble versus Notre Dame early in the year and forced another versus Stanford. Versus Oregon, Oladejo intercepted a pass with a return of 26 yards.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this article