UCLA's Laiatu Latu analyzes his performance at 2024 NFL Combine
UCLA outside linebacker Laiatu Latu put on a show on Thursday at the NFL Combine. Latu ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash while wowing scouts on the bags, as well. As the momentous day came to a close, Latu discussed his performance.
“I’m super happy. It’s a surreal moment,” Latu said. “I’ve been working for that. I stumbled a little bit at the start, but I still got that low 4.6 [seconds]. So, I’m really proud of that.
“The game is super smooth for me. Working those bags is like second nature to me. I can do it in my sleep. I’m working them all the time. I’ve been working them since I was a freshman at Washington. It’s just natural to me.”
ESPN listed Latu as the No. 12 available player in the 2024 NFL Draft. Latu finished the 2023 regular season atop the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.8) while ranking fourth nationally in sacks per game (1.08) average.
Latu’s total of 21.5 tackles for loss are the most by any player in the nation this season and the highest mark by a Bruin since Anthony Barr finished the 2012 campaign with 21.5 TFLs.
Additionally, his total of 13.0 sacks tied for third in the country in the category and is tied for third on the all-time UCLA list. It is the most TFLs by a Bruin since Barr recorded 13.5 in 2012. Before Latu achieved jaw-dropping success with the Bruins, he began his career at Washington.
Laiatu Latu reflects on his neck injury
After playing in 12 of 13 Washington’s 13 games a freshman, Latu suffered a severe neck injury in the offseason before his sophomore season. The injury required surgery and Washington’s staff reportedly advised Latu to “medically retire” from football.
After undergoing neck fusion surgery to try to repair lingering numbness, Latu missed two straight season for the Huskies. The program refused to medically clear Latu and, in turn, he transferred to UCLA.
In Laiatu Latu’s post-Combine interview, an NFL Network reporter asked him if scouts had questions about his past injury.
“No,” Latu said. “They just want to know my whole story about my transition from Washington to UCLA, really just like what I learned about myself and about the game in that time away because a lot of people would probably give up in that moment. I never put that past me. I just love the game.
“It means a lot to me that I can provide for my family, my brother, my little sisters and my mom. Really, [I’m] just proving to the world that once you set your mind to something, if you have the love and dedication for it, no matter what anyone tells you, you can achieve your goals.”