UCLA lands transfer Ivy League defensive lineman

Former Harvard defensive tackle Jacob Sykes is making the jump from the Ivy to the big time in the Pac-12. Sykes announced on Tuesday that he is transferring to UCLA to join Chip Kelly and the Bruins. He announced his decision to enter the transfer portal in November.

“Extremely honored to announce my next chapter, and many thanks to all those who have helped in this journey,” Sykes posted. “Beyond Blessed.”

Despite signing as a member of the 2018 class, the 6-foot-3, 277-pound defensive tackle has only played three seasons for the Crimson. The Ivy League canceled the 2020 season but Sykes played all 10 games in 2021 on his way to All-Ivy first-team honors.

Through 10 games, Sykes had 27 total tackles, 11 solo tackles and seven sacks. He also forced one fumble.

Jacob Sykes is a Kansas City, Missouri native, where he played for Rockhurst High School.

Extremely honored to announce my next chapter, and many thanks to all those who have helped in this journey. Beyond Blessed🐻🙏🏾 @UCLAFootball pic.twitter.com/pE3BOMTcNu

— Jacob Sykes (@jacob_s1kes) January 25, 2022

Chip Kelly names UCLA’s next offensive line coach

The UCLA Bruins and head coach Chip Kelly have announced a big-time staff hiring. The school announced Friday analyst Tim Drevno would be staying on staff as the Bruins’ new offensive line coach.

Drevno assisted with developing the offensive line this past season. Prior to spending time in Westwood, he was an assistant on the USC coaching staff.

He spent three years with the Trojans and held the position of run game, pass protection coordinator, offensive line coach and running backs coach at various points in his tenure. Drevno developed a pair of first-round offense lineman selections in Elijah Vera Tucker and Austin Jackson during his time at USC.

He also developed former Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz during his three-year stint at Michigan.

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.