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UCLA Bruins linebacker, team captain, and Butkus Award semifinalist Sammy Omosigho joins Brock Vereen and Alex Curry on 97.1 The Fan LA to discuss UCLA Football's dominant undefeated season.
Omosigho breaks down defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler's lockdown system, quarterback Ty Dieffenbach’s poise, the Bruins' dynamic three-headed running back room, and how head coach Bob Chesney brought immediate championship belief to Westwood from day one.
Omosigho breaks down defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler's lockdown system, quarterback Ty Dieffenbach’s poise, the Bruins' dynamic three-headed running back room, and how head coach Bob Chesney brought immediate championship belief to Westwood from day one.
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00:00We're here with former NFL DB Brock Vereen and we are so excited for our next guest here.
00:05We have been talking all about UCLA football all season long and we are so excited to welcome in
00:11captain and linebacker Sammy Omasito.
00:17How are you doing?
00:18Sammy O, we are so happy to have you here.
00:21You came to this program with Bob Chesney and in one year have helped turn this program around.
00:26Take us into that locker room.
00:27What has been the vibe of what you guys have been able to accomplish this season?
00:33Yeah, the locker room is full of energy, full of energy and it's full of life.
00:36You know, when you're winning program, winning cares everything.
00:39You know, we don't think about last season.
00:40We think about the people in this room right now, the people in the building right now.
00:43And our focus is to keep playing football games.
00:46Sammy, over the past five games, your defense is only giving up seven points a game.
00:51Despite some injuries out there, you guys have so much depth.
00:54So what is it about defensive coordinator Colin Hitchler to where everyone in that Bruin blue and gold is prepared
00:59to rock?
01:01Yeah, he just holds us to a super high standard.
01:02No matter who you are, no matter where you're on the depth chart, he holds us to the same standard.
01:06And so the only way you can change the standard is by going up.
01:09And he doesn't allow us going down at all.
01:11So it's always fun playing for Coach Hitch and the way the energy he brings and everything.
01:15So it's a blast.
01:16Sammy, you personally, you made three starts in three years at Oklahoma.
01:19Now in your first season at UCLA, you're a captain and a bucket semifinalist.
01:24What changed for you at UCLA?
01:27I think it was just the opportunity.
01:28The opportunity to really showcase what I can do.
01:31And Coach Vic and the guys in the room that believed in me to be able to put this stuff
01:35on tape.
01:36And it's really been fun.
01:37And it's been a blessing, to be honest.
01:39Sammy, what has impressed you the most about quarterback Ty Diefenbach,
01:43who was thrust into the starting role at quarterback and has led you guys on the way to an undefeated
01:49season?
01:50Yeah, he just came in with a lot of poise because there was an uncertainty in his job as well.
01:55So when you realize that he was a starter, came in with poise, came in with a good confidence
01:59that the entire team can see to really just fall behind.
02:02So I really appreciate him for that.
02:03And I like the way he took it and the way he's also been a good guy that's trying to
02:07lead where he can
02:08and fit in where he can to help the team out and win.
02:11Sammy, back to you because you're leading the nation with five Forrest Fumbles right now.
02:14What are you seeing or what are you doing that's helping you get the ball out?
02:19Yeah, it's just the mentality.
02:20My coach, he just preaches about a bunch that when you see the ball, it has to come out.
02:25You're doing yourself injustice if you don't make it come out.
02:27So just see ball, get ball, basically.
02:30Run ahead.
02:31Sammy, you are Texas, born and raised.
02:34You spend time playing at the University of Oklahoma.
02:36What has it been like playing in the Big Ten?
02:38And how has it been living in L.A.?
02:41The Big Ten is wonderful.
02:43So a very physical conference.
02:46I get my body feeling way more sore after these games than they've been in the past few years.
02:51And then L.A. is L.A., you know what I'm saying?
02:55It's one of one.
02:56It's an amazing place.
02:58Great weather.
02:59Better people.
03:00You know what I'm saying?
03:01Good food.
03:01Everything you like.
03:02Ah, Sammy.
03:0475 in November and in February, so it's hard to beat.
03:06You're speaking our language.
03:08You're talking to a couple of L.A. natives here.
03:10So we love to hear that.
03:11We love having you here.
03:12Now, UCLA, currently in the AP polls.
03:15We're waiting for the college football playoff polls to drop tonight.
03:17But you're a top five team.
03:19Does this group, does this core believe that you guys have what it takes to win a national championship?
03:26Oh, absolutely.
03:27That's the goal.
03:27But our goal is to win a national championship every week.
03:30So our goal is Minnesota, and we'll focus on that time when that time comes.
03:33But our goal is to accomplish this and control what we can control.
03:37As you look ahead to that game against Minnesota, 9 a.m. kickoff.
03:42For those watching out here in L.A., what challenges do the Golden Gophers present?
03:47Yeah, they're a very physical team.
03:49Great old line.
03:50Great defensive line as well.
03:52It's a great interior.
03:53And it's a physical team, like I said before.
03:55It's a team that can run, a team that can pass, and a team that can get after the quarterback.
03:59So we have to make sure that we can run the ball, make sure we can stop throwing it as
04:03well,
04:03and then contain the quarterback.
04:05And this is a team that likes to drag it on in low-scoring games.
04:08They're very comfortable in that.
04:09So we have to be able to make sure that we can just do what we have to do each
04:12and every play
04:13until the win every down.
04:14Now, Sammy, I know you said you're just focusing one game at a time.
04:18But the College Football Ranking Show is happening tonight.
04:21It is dropping tonight.
04:22Is that something you guys are paying attention to and you're going to be watching?
04:27Yeah, we might watch it.
04:28But our coach says the most useless stat is the number beside your name, you know,
04:34because every week the goal for the opponent is to remove it.
04:38So our goal is to focus on the control, focus on the opponent,
04:42and everything else takes care of itself.
04:44Sammy, for those on the outside looking in of Los Angeles and the UCLA program,
04:49Bob Chesney seems too good to be true.
04:52You have gotten to know him over this incredible undefeated season.
04:56Can you let us know what is it about Bob Chesney that's just making this team tick?
05:01Yeah, it's just the way he is.
05:02You know, everyone knows what Coach says.
05:03The guy that's full of energy.
05:05No matter what time of the day it is.
05:07Like this morning, I could have sworn it was 6.15.
05:09He walks into the locker room.
05:11Who was programming your mind in a guy?
05:14I'm like, I'm like, Coach says it's 6.15.
05:18That's the only type of guy he is, you know.
05:21Guy full of energy.
05:22Guy that's always holding people accountable.
05:24Guy that's always going to bring the most out of everyone around him.
05:26So I really appreciate that.
05:28And a guy that really knows his entire team.
05:29You know, a guy that's very personable.
05:31Because, of course, you have good coaches out there,
05:33but none of them are as really personable as Coach Chesney.
05:36He's a really good guy.
05:37I really appreciate him.
05:38So he has the energy.
05:40It feels like he's making everyone accountable
05:42and focusing on just what you can control.
05:46But is it something that he said, like day one?
05:49Like what was it that allowed everybody to fully buy in
05:54to what Bob Chesney was selling?
05:56Yeah, so he came from JMU after the playoff loss against Oregon.
05:59And he came into the facility.
06:01And mind you, I wasn't even here yet.
06:02But he came into the facility.
06:04And he said, last year I went 3-9.
06:06And it had nothing to do with us.
06:08We're going to win.
06:09And I told the coaches, I came here to win.
06:11And everyone's bought into that.
06:13And then throughout the season, we just came.
06:15I told you, winning cures everything.
06:16So when we continue to win, it's a virus.
06:19And we want to keep on spreading.
06:22Sammy, what impresses me the most about you personally
06:25is the fact that you are out there on special teams
06:28amongst other starters who have no hesitance,
06:32no qualms of being out there on the third phase of the game.
06:35We know that Coach Chesney loves his special teams.
06:37But what does that prove to the mindset of this Bruins team?
06:41Yeah, we just want to help wherever we can.
06:43Because one thing we say is teams, teammates, self.
06:46So wherever we can be a good teammate,
06:49and wherever we can help with that special team,
06:51anything else, picking up people in the locker room,
06:54wherever it is, just wherever we can help the team win.
06:57Because everything matters.
06:58So wherever we can do that, we can put our footprint on it.
07:03Now, Sammy, I know you're taking it one game at a time.
07:06But with these final games of the season,
07:09and knowing that the Crosstown Rivals are having a strong season,
07:14and you're ending with USC,
07:16is that a game that you guys have had circled from the start of the year?
07:21Oh, of course.
07:22I'll be lying if I said I wouldn't.
07:24But that game is going to be fun.
07:26And I want to wish them the best of luck as well.
07:29I want them to keep winning, so it'll be a good one at the end of the season.
07:32Sammy, thank you so much for your time.
07:34Last one for you.
07:35Brag about those running backs.
07:36I know spring ball and training camp was physical for you,
07:40smacking into Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods and Javion Thomas.
07:43But how much has that running back depth impressed you so far
07:46on these recent Saturdays?
07:49No, it's just amazing to have those three guys in the backfield.
07:51Going against them every day in practice is amazing.
07:53It makes me so much better.
07:55And then vice versa to them, it's amazing to help.
07:58So you're going to run it back.
08:00It's very rare to have three running backs on the same team.
08:02And for them to all have a part of the entire game is just amazing.
08:06You know, that third and two, that third and one,
08:09we know we have to go for it.
08:10We know we have to run the ball.
08:11And those boys are so trustworthy, and they can make plays whenever it is.
08:14So having them on the other side of the ball is just really a sign of relief
08:17and makes my job a lot easier.
08:19Sammy, we appreciate your time so much.
08:22Best of luck to the rest of the season.
08:24And go get it done.
08:25Four's up.
08:25Woo!
08:26I appreciate y'all.
08:27Four's up.
08:27Y'all know what it is.
08:28You.
08:29Thanks, Sammy.
08:31See ya.
08:34Special.
08:35You can just tell.
08:36Like, even when we had Bob Chesney on the show, too,
08:38you can just, you can tell that there is something special with this group.
08:43And it does start with the leadership.
08:45And Sammy coming in, like, I said, three starts in three years at Oklahoma.
08:50And then in his first year with UCLA, you're a captain and you're leading this team.
08:54And it's like, what did you need?
08:55He's like, I just needed the opportunity.
08:56It was the same with Bob Chesney.
08:57It was like, just give me the opportunity with a big program to show you that I have what it
09:01takes.
09:02And that's kind of that whole mentality of this group.
09:04Even to tie Diefenbach.
09:06Like, just give me the opportunity to show you that I can do this.
09:09And that's what this whole UCLA team really feels like.
09:13It's been the best part of the transfer portal era.
09:17I know that there's a negative stigma around it.
09:20And there are some unforeseen negative things that college football is still working through.
09:26But the best part of it is guys who are stuck in a rotation or a deep room.
09:31Well, you see him.
09:31He has an example.
09:32He was in a crowded linebacker room at Oklahoma, a place that develops linebackers at a high clip.
09:37So he knew he had the talent.
09:39He just needed to go to a place that was going to give him an opportunity to shine.
09:43And you find a coach that reaches out to you and says, I believe in you.
09:48I want you to be our starter or at least have a spot for you to compete for.
09:52And the juice that you get knowing that this coach sees me the way that I see me.
09:57And that's not how my current coach sees me.
09:59I'm going to go to Westwood.
10:00I'm going to put on a blue and gold jersey.
10:02And I'm going to ball out.
10:03And that is the beauty of what the portal can bring is bigger opportunities, bigger stages, bigger platforms.
10:10And now you have Samuel Mosegal, who goes from rotational linebacker in Norman, Oklahoma, to one of the best defensive
10:17players in the entire country.
10:18That is incredible.
10:20Like, if you want, like, with this entire UCLA football team, there are so many stories to just latch on
10:27to to root for this group.
10:29And Sammy being one of those, I'm so happy.
10:32That was, like, such a fun last-minute get on the show today.
10:35You can hear the joy in his voice.
10:37You can hear the belief.
10:39Like, yeah, like, even asking him about the natty.
10:41And we believe we can, but we're not thinking about that.
10:43Like, you've got to think about it one at a time.
10:44Also, like, the ranking.
10:46Coach said that doesn't matter because, like, it's just a number next to the school name, which is crazy because
10:53it does matter in terms of, like, where if you're going to get into the college football playoff.
10:58And, like, the college football official, like, ranking is happening tonight.
11:02Where do you believe UCLA should land in that?
11:06They're top five right now.
11:08They are ranked number five in the AP poll.
11:11But this isn't going to matter after tonight.
11:14Right.
11:14They should be four or five.
11:17And a little later in the show, I'm excited to break down why that's where they should be.
11:21The difference is, and the gripe with the CFP official poll is it's more subjective, I feel, than the AP
11:30poll.
11:30It is just the opinion of a group of people who maybe watch the games, but you don't really know.
11:38And legacy means a lot to them.
11:41And in recent years, UCLA has struggled.
11:43So, I expect UCLA to be disrespected in this initial poll.
11:49I would be happily surprised if they are rightfully and accurately ranked in the top five, though.
11:55Similar to kind of how, like, Indiana was treated that way.
11:59It took them a long time to get their respect.
12:02Yeah.
12:02I mean, what's it going to take for UCLA?
12:05Just keep winning?
12:06That's all you can do is keep winning.
12:08And if they can make it to the Big Ten Championship, that's probably when everyone's ears will perk up and
12:16say,
12:16Okay, I have no choice but to respect this team.
12:19If USC can keep winning and maybe find their way back into the top 12, they have three more games
12:25to do it before that matchup.
12:26That could also help UCLA.
12:28But with upcoming games against Minnesota, who, for the record, has three ranked wins and was a play away from
12:34beating Indiana in overtime a week ago.
12:36So, you have Illinois, you have Michigan, who has one of the nation's best defenses, but one of the worst
12:41offenses.
12:42And then you have USC.
12:43So, it's also a matter of you don't get to choose who's on your schedule week to week.
12:49These things are chosen years in advance, and you're kind of just at the mercy of who you play.
12:53And they could have been ranked if they had a better season.
12:56Exactly.
12:56It's just tough that way.
12:58But it's so funny because if you're USC or UCLA, you are rooting for your opponent to win out until
13:06you guys play each other on November 28th.
13:08I love that he was vulnerable enough to share that.
13:12Oh, yeah.
13:12Yeah, I want them to be as good as they possibly can be because it just makes us look better.
13:18And I wasn't sure if he was going to be honest and say that, but I love that he did
13:23because it's true.
13:24Like, you want to play in big-time games.
13:27Yes, they're your rival, but your rival losing every single game leading up to you means your win over them
13:32now means less, right?
13:34Like, him being able to say, I want them to be as good as they possibly can be, and he
13:39didn't say this part.
13:40This is me adding this part on so that we can stomp them out is the best feeling as a
13:44competitor.
13:45Like, as an athlete, that's what you want.
13:46I mean, it's both sides here because USC needs UCLA to beat Minnesota, to beat Illinois, to meet Michigan.
13:53So then when USC plays them, and if they're able to beat them, then you beat a top three team
13:59maybe at that point.
14:00That's how USC can catapult themselves into the college football playoff.
14:04The only way USC can get back in, other than a bunch of unforeseen losses, is being able to win
14:12out.
14:12And that includes beating a highly ranked UCLA at the end of the year.
14:17When was the last time that a USC-UCLA football game had both programs at this level with that much
14:27riding on the line?
14:28The reason I'm going to say never is because of this new CFP.
14:33Because, you know, there have been years where USC is looking like they're competing for a national championship,
14:39and then, you know, they play a pretty good UCLA team at the end of the year.
14:43But that was back in the BCS days when you just jumped straight to the championship game.
14:48Yeah.
14:49And a computer was deciding everything.
14:50The fact that both teams have a path to still make it to the playoff and therefore have a chance
14:56to win a championship.
14:58This is a one-on-one.
15:00This is the first time this has come around.
15:02And if both of them keep on winning, that game will be a historic moment in LA sports history.
15:07Yeah.
15:07So this could be one of the greatest college football matchups we've seen.
15:13Yeah.
15:13Oh, yeah.
15:14Yeah.
15:14And I'm still parking on this.
15:18They can have a situation where they play each other in the season finale and also in the Big Ten
15:25championship a week later.
15:26That's insane.
15:28Yes.
15:28That's wild.
15:29Putting that out there because I want it to happen.
15:30And I also want to know if that's happened before.
15:33In my mind, it hasn't.
15:34Oh, did it happen in the SEC?
15:36No, no.
15:37It didn't happen in the SEC.
15:37I don't think that's happened before.
15:39It's extremely rare because the playoff is so new and because conference championship games are newer since the expansion of
15:51these conferences now.
15:55The Big Ten only recently got to 18 teams.
15:58And the more teams you have, the more likely it is for it to happen.
16:00So I'm pretty confident nothing like this has ever happened before.
16:04How confident are you in both USC and UCLA winning out until they face each other in that final game?
16:10If USC plays the way that they did last Saturday, they will be undefeated because they will beat Indiana and
16:20they will beat Maryland.
16:22And there may be one more game in there.
16:24And then, yeah, and then they'll be, they will, should be undefeated facing off against UCLA.
16:30And UCLA has the, a massively tough test against Minnesota later in the week.
16:35We will dive into why.
16:37And it's not necessarily because of the X's and O's.
16:39It's because of that kickoff time.
16:41And if you kick off at 9 a.m.
16:44On your internal clock, you're waking up at 5 a.m.
16:47So, okay.
16:47Yeah.
16:48Take us into that for a player and why that's so gnarly.
16:51Yeah.
16:52So Minnesota likes playing early.
16:55The Big Ten in general just likes playing early.
16:57You know, Big Noon and all of those things.
16:59They want to dominate the first half of the day.
17:01They're going there, right?
17:02I think Big Noon, like Fox Big Noon kickoff is actually going to be at this game.
17:06Yes, they are.
17:06UCLA-Minnesota.
17:07Yes, they are.
17:07It's going to be massive.
17:09And because of that, the same way that, okay, last year, USC had a home game against Michigan.
17:18The year before that, they had a home game against Rutgers.
17:20That game was at night.
17:21So in Rutgers' brain, they're kicking off at 9 p.m.
17:25No, no, they're kicking off at 10 p.m. in their internal clock.
17:28So on the flip side, when you get a West Coast team to come to the Midwest or the East
17:33Coast,
17:34you want the earliest possible kickoff time.
17:36So it is a massive event.
17:38If you can have it your way, absolutely.
17:40Yeah.
17:40Yeah.
17:40It is a massive advantage.
17:43I am positive that Bob Chesney and the sleep doctors and the nutritionists.
17:48Well, that's why they're working out at 6.15.
17:50He said he walked in and it's like they're getting their training.
17:53And he kind of – I was like, oh, why is Bob – why are they in there that early
17:57like this week?
17:58It's like, oh, they're getting ready for this 9 a.m.
18:00Or they're already in the gym working out at 6 a.m.
18:03So they were probably up at 4.30.
18:05You know, you do all of these things, but it's not going to cure it.
18:11At the end of the day, you still have to wake up at a time you're unfamiliar with
18:14and go out there and bring energy.
18:16But at the end of the day, when you enter a stadium and there's going to be 60,000 screaming
18:21people,
18:21you're going to find the adrenaline that you need.
18:24But it is a challenge.
18:25When you think about like walking out –
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