UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano was among 10 Bruins named to the 12th Annual Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List in August 2024. However, he ultimately showcased his talents at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, held on January 30 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Representing the West team, Medrano’s performance earned him an honorable mention among standout players, highlighting his potential as he transitions to the professional level.
Feedback From Observers On UCLA Bruins LB Kain Medrano
- Analysts and scouts at the Shrine Bowl noted Medrano’s athleticism and coverage skills, suggesting he could be an immediate special teams contributor with potential for defensive snaps in sub-packages.
- His performance drew positive remarks for his ability to handle multiple roles, although his size at 219 pounds was seen as a limitation for traditional linebacker duties.
- Social media buzz from the event highlighted Medrano as a player who consistently made plays, with several posts praising his gap-filling and tackling. Posts on Twitter (X) noted his strong showing in both coverage and run defense during the game, even getting an interception in drills.
In his 2024 season with UCLA, Medrano started all 12 games, amassing 72 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also recorded two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and led the team with three forced fumbles.
His consistent performance earned him Third Team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches.
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Medrano’s participation in the Shrine Bowl, coupled with his impressive college career, has positioned him as an intriguing late-round or undrafted prospect. He could sneak into the later rounds like former UCLA teammate Darius Muasau or be a pickup for a team after the draft.
His demonstrated versatility and playmaking abilities make him an intriguing candidate for teams seeking a dynamic presence at the linebacker position.