Browns select Carson Schwesinger in the second round of the draft, marking a significant leap in his football career.
Carson Schwesinger's Epic Rise from Zero to NFL Draft Pick
Once an Unnoticed Prospect, Carson Schwesinger Grabs NFL's Attention
From Walk-On to Star Player: Carson Schwesinger's Meteoric Rise at UCLA
Carson Schwesinger: UCLA's Underdog Turned Top Linebacker
Carson Schwesinger's Journey: A Tale of Hard Work and Determination
Carson Schwesinger's journey from a zero-star recruit to an NFL Draft pick is a riveting story of grit and perseverance. Here is the lowdown on Schwesinger's path to stardom:
Initial Step as a Walk-On
As a high school player, Schwesinger wasn't highly sought after by colleges - he had no scholarship offers whatsoever. However, his unwavering passion for football didn't go unnoticed by his high school coach, Charles Collins, who suggested him to UCLA's Chip Kelly as a consolation choice after the Bruins missed out on fellow linebacker Ethan Calvert [2]. Collins had described Schwesinger as a "poor man's Ethan Calvert," emphasizing his fervor for the game instead of his initial accolades.
Evolution to a Scholarship Athlete
Over time, Schwesinger's tireless work ethic and fierce devotion to football transformed him from a walk-on player to a scholarship athlete. His tenacity and impressive progress on the field eventually caught the eye of the coaches, who eventually recognized his potential and granted him a scholarship [2].
UCLA's Standout Performances by Schwesinger
Throughout his UCLA tenure, Schwesinger established himself as a key player for the team, achieving multiple milestones:- Big Ten Defensive Impressions: While UCLA is primarily associated with the Pac-12, Schwesinger earned recognition for his exceptional performances, indicative of his elite caliber. During his breakout season, he placed third nationwide in total tackles with 136, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking skills [5].- Butkus Award Finalist: This honor is given to the nation's top college linebacker, and being a finalist highlights his growth and talent [2].- First-Team All-American: Schwesinger's meteoric rise culminated in a first-team All-American selection, underscoring his knack for making plays, athleticism, and overall football IQ [5].
Fatherly Guidance and Motivation
Schwesinger's father, Dennis, encouraged him to consistently prove himself to coaches and scouts, a mindset that fueled Schwesinger's desire to improve and demonstrate his skills [2].
NFL Draft Selection
Schwesinger was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft with the 33rd overall pick, becoming the first player from UCLA or USC to be drafted that year. Scouts believe that he'll thrive in the Browns' defense, playing alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah [5].
UCLA Sports
'Can't Pass Up': Nico Iamaleava's Signing Builds Excitement at UCLA
UCLA Football Riding High on Nico Iamaleava's NFL Draft Selection
UCLA coach DeShaun Foster emphasizes that individual positions are up for grabs every season, making it understandable that the Bruins signed talented transfer Nico Iamaleava. On Friday, Iamaleava's exceptional talent was recognized when the Cleveland Browns made him a second-round draft pick at No. 33 overall – the first Bruin or Trojan chosen in the draft.
Schwesinger's astounding transformation at UCLA can be traced back to a piece of advice his father once shared: "It doesn't matter how good you think you are, you've got to make sure that everybody else thinks you're that good to where they have to put you in." This aphorism empowered Schwesinger to relentlessly prove his talent and earn recognition from coaches and scouts [2].
During his time on UCLA's scout team, Schwesinger displayed an outstanding ability to block kicks, gaining the attention of Ikaika Malloe, who was then the Bruins' special teams coordinator. In response, Malloe promoted him to all four special teams units. Schwesinger's hard work eventually resulted in earning a scholarship before the 2022 season and becoming a regular starter on defense for the following two seasons [5].
However, it wasn't until the third game of his senior year that Schwesinger's full potential was unleashed, when he earned a starting spot in a lineup adjustment that also moved fellow linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo to edge rusher. Schwesinger proceeded to lead the Big Ten with 136 tackles, registering double-digit figures in nine games. His impressive 90 solo tackles made history; they were the most by a Big Ten player in over two decades, leaving coaches in awe [1].
Oladejo's position switch not only benefited the Bruins but also improved Oladejo's NFL prospects, resulting in his being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round [5]. If Oladejo can repeat his disruptive performances, it will further complement the Titans' defense.
Schwesinger's seemingly innate ability to anticipate the offense before the snap may have given the impression that he had an uncanny sixth sense about the upcoming play. This presumption stems from his ability to decipher pre-snap tendencies, which allowed him to correctly position himself to make the play [3]. Given his background playing various positions, including running back, wide receiver, offensive line, and safety, Schwesinger understood the intentions of most players on the field [4].
UCLA Sports
The Odyssey of Carson Schwesinger: From Zero Stars to Leading the Big Ten in Tackles
Captain America on the Field: Unleashing UCLA's Carson Schwesinger's Potential
UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger's rise from an unnoticed recruit to a dominant force for the Bruins is an inspiring story of dedication and determination. Here are the highlights of his incredible journey:
The Origins of a Star
Schwesinger, a former walk-on, has never shied away from the grind. This driven attitude has been instrumental in his ascent to stardom. The focus he brings to every practice has earned him the title "Captain America" from teammate Bryan Addison [4].
The Wisdom of the Coach
In his first season as UCLA's defensive coordinator, Malloe devised his scheme to funnel plays towards his top playmaker – Schwesinger [4]. Malloe was amazed by Schwesinger's instincts on the field, even going so far as to declare that the linebacker "beat running backs to the holes at times,... or what looks like he's slipping blocks, he's actually moving one block over from the guy that's supposed to get him" [1]. This perspective underscores Schwesinger's intelligence and adaptability on the field.
The Transformation at UCLA
Schwesinger's unlikely journey to becoming a leading player for UCLA is a testament to the power of hard work, faith, and determination. His story serves as a beacon of hope for other aspiring athletes who may have found themselves counted out in the beginning. As Collins noted, "It's not where you start, it's where you finish. You know, you don't have to be a five-star, you don't have to be the guy that's in lights. Hard work, it does pay off, and character pays off even more, so I think he's a testament to hard work, faith, and determination and character" [4].
Notable UCLA Draft Selections
Several other talented Bruins were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Kain Medrano: A former wide receiver who excelled as a linebacker for UCLA during his six seasons, Medrano was chosen by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round. Teammate Schwesinger praised Medrano's hard work, crediting it for his success [4].
- Jay Toia: Another key player on UCLA's defense, Toia was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys with the first pick of the seventh round (217). Despite his modest statistics – 25 tackles and two tackles for loss – Toia's commanding presence on the field often led to double and triple teams, creating opportunities for teammates to make plays [6].
- Moliki Matavao: The latest in a long line of exceptional UCLA tight ends, Matavao was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round (248). With good size (6 feet 6, 263 pounds) and speed, Matavao proved to be a capable receiver, making 41 catches for 506 yards and two touchdowns last season [6].
- Jaylin Smith: USC cornerback Jaylin Smith became the first Trojan drafted when he was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round at 97th overall. Despite playing just 10 games, Smith recorded 59 tackles and two interceptions in 2024, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors [7].
- Woody Marks: USC running back Woody Marks, who rushed for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, was chosen by the Houston Texans in the fourth round at 116th overall. Marks will join teammate Jaylin Smith in Houston, aiming to continue his impressive performances [7].
- Jonah Monheim: USC offensive lineman Jonah Monheim was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round (221) after an exceptional season that earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors, following a move to center [7].
Additional Reading
Shedeur Sanders Overlooked by 32 Teams in Green Bay's Green Room First Round Cold Shoulder
References:1. Ben Bolch, Bruins' Carson Schwesinger stands atop Big Ten in tackles (Los Angeles Times, Dec 17, 2024).2. Sarah B. Lewin, Carson Schwesinger of UCLA overcomes under-recruited past to earn first-team All-American honors (LAist, Dec 17, 2024).3. Ben Bolch, Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger's ability to diagnose plays makes him dynamic force (Los Angeles Times, Nov 3, 2024).4. Alison Bui, Carson Schwesinger: The rise of a walk-on player to leading the Big Ten in tackles (Daily Bruin, Dec 17, 2024).5. Super-productive UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger cements himself as coaching staff's top playmaker (CBS Sports, Dec 17, 2024).6. R.J. Young, UCLA draft tracker: Bruins land four prospects in 2025 NFL draft (Los Angeles Times, Apr 28, 2025).7. Max Thaw, USC Draft Tracker: Cardinal and Gold Tally 10 Player Selections in 2025 NFL Draft (LAist, Apr 28, 2025).
- Carson Schwesinger, initially ignored by colleges, started his journey at UCLA as a walk-on player, eventually earning a scholarship with his unyielding dedication and impressive progress on the field.
- Schwesinger constantly demonstrated his potential during his tenure at UCLA, becoming a key player for the Bruins and placing third nationwide in total tackles with 136 in his breakout season.
- The recognition Schwesinger received at UCLA extended beyond the Pac-12, as he earned the Butkus Award Finalist honors, symbolizing his growth and talent.
- Following his stellar performances, Schwesinger was rewarded with a first-team All-American selection, underscoring his ability to make plays and overall football intelligence.
- Schwesinger's father, Dennis, encouraged him to consistently prove himself to coaches and scouts, a mindset that fueled Schwesinger's drive to improve and showcase his skills.
- In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Carson Schwesinger with the 33rd overall pick, and scouts believe that he'll complement their defense, playing alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
