UCLA Football: Key Lawrence aims to anchor Bruins secondary

UCLA’s offseason buzz was primarily centered on the retooling of its offense, but the defense also gained notable additions. After an undesirable outcome to the 2024 season and losing four key defensive pieces to the NFL draft, the Blue and Gold urgently needed a revamp. The Bruins’ aggressive approach to the transfer portal landed former Ole Miss and Oklahoma safety Key Lawrence — a much-needed defensive enforcer for UCLA.

Lawrence — a well-seasoned vet — immediately brings five years of college football experience (50 games) as well as a dynamic edge to head coach DeShawn Foster’s squad.

UCLA Football: Who is Key Lawrence?

Reigning from Nashville, Tennessee, Key Lawrence was a highly coveted (25 Division-I offers) four-star recruit coming out of Ensworth High School.

In his senior campaign, Lawrence totaled 48 tackles and five tackles for loss while defending four passes. However, he was more than just a defensive missile; he also found himself making plays on offense.

Lawrence scored 13 touchdowns and racked up 1,928 all-purpose yards in 22 varsity games. His efforts were enough to have him ranked as the No. 5 safety and No. 1 player in Tennessee according to 247Sports in the 2020 class.

The VOLS just got better. 👀🥵@KeShawn2x is #PoweredByTheT 🍊@Ensworth | @EnsworthFB pic.twitter.com/YWN5E4LJaw

— Hudl (@Hudl) July 1, 2019

Lawrence began his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma and spending the next three years with the Sooners. He quickly discovered his identity, turning into a reliable, heat-seeking safety who can operate all over the field. His ability to make plays at all three levels became evident.

Lawrence turned course to Ole Miss for his senior season, where he appeared in only four games and ultimately redshirted.

In the last major sample size, the 6-foot-2 defensive back combined to make 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, three passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 2023. There is no denying the elite ability Lawrence possesses when on the field. Moreover, in his 36 games with OU, he totaled 149 tackles, 12 passes defended, 11 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, three interceptions and one sack.

🚨 BIG MAN SCOOP ‘N SCORE 🚨 @OU_Football takes the lead just before halftime pic.twitter.com/rxkhuxHJB1

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 20, 2021

Lawrence has been a game-changing player since his early teens, and he’s ready to bring intensity to a UCLA defense that lacks a firm identity.

How will Key Lawrence contribute to UCLA in 2025?

Being a defensive star is more than just making plays; it also commands leadership, grit and a strong work ethic — all of which Lawrence brings to the table.

“Passionate and somebody who’s going to find the ball,” Lawrence told reporters regarding his play style. “I just like being a good teammate … I just want to teach what I have, and give my knowledge to everyone. We just feed off each other — I’m still learning from the younger guys.”

The 24-year-old NFL hopeful is more than just a veteran presence, he is an instant-impact player. Westwood should expect to see a lot of Lawrence in 2025.

The Bruin is not afraid to step into the box and deliver run support. He has a knack for hitting holes hard and shedding blockers. Additionally, his combination of size and speed will blanket opposing receivers downfield. He is a do-it-all safety who can line up anywhere and make plays in any scheme. Lawrence is known to thrive in zone coverage and has major ball-hawking skills. He doesn’t hesitate to make reads and is quick to close distances.

This play by @KeShawn2x 🫡@PFF rated him the highest graded safety in week 4.

He was a straight up DAWG 🔐#OUDNA pic.twitter.com/GQ6B7tG6ZN

— Red Dirt Media (@RedDirtMediaCo) September 25, 2023

The secondary has seen an overhaul of players, so carving a role for himself early should be an urgent task for Lawrence. If he does, expect the redshirt senior to be one of UCLA’s top tacklers and turnover forcers. Especially given the elite competition he’s battled against in his football career.

Who does Lawrence compare to?

The versatility on defense reminds me of Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. Not saying he’s on the same tier as the former Wolverine, but the hybrid ability and energy are similar. Even without their position-less skillset, both are also very high-quality tacklers who make noise in the run and pass game.

Lawrence also emulates LSU’s Jamal Adams, who shares an identical play style. Again, not comparing the level to which Adams was, but both are extremely active safeties who love to create chaos and can create turnovers.