UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau was extremely productive for the Bruins after transferring to the program from Hawaii. Muasau accumulated 166 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, five sacks, and three interceptions across two seasons at UCLA. At the NFL Combine, Muasau had a 36.5-inch vertical and ran a 1.61 10-yard split.
Muasau recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his decision to enter the transfer portal, being coached by Ken Norton Jr. and Chip Kelly, how he’d grade his performance at the NFL Combine, and more.
JM: Now you've had time to think about it, how do you reflect on the decision to transfer from Hawai’i to UCLA?
Darius Muasau: Man, I think that’s the best decision I ever made. What led me to that decision was my want to be exposed to better competition. I wanted to explore new opportunities for myself.
I had this weird feeling and I didn’t like it. I’m from Hawaii and I initially went to The University of Hawaii. I’d been in Hawaii for nearly 20 years at that point. When you’re at home for so long, you start to get too comfortable. I never wanted to get complacent. I hate complacency.
That’s when I decided to enter the portal and leave my hometown. I went to UCLA and left my hometown, leaving my family behind. It was the biggest decision I ever made.
I had a great experience at UCLA for the past two years. I had so many different resources at my disposal. I took advantage of everything there. I’m very thankful for my time at UCLA.
JM: We appreciate your honesty. You briefly touched on it there, but having joined the Pac 12 out of the transfer portal, was proving that you could play at a higher level against better competition a goal of yours?
Darius Muasau: Yes, it definitely was a goal of mine. The Pac-12 isn’t short on talent. I was playing with, and against, first-round picks. We’re talking about Caleb Williams, Cam Rising, and Michael Penix Jr.
I saw great competition every single week. I appreciated the competition in the Pac 12. That played a big role in my decision to join UCLA out of the transfer portal.
JM: You totaled 166 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, five sacks, and three interceptions across two seasons at UCLA. You also had career highs in all of those categories in 2023. What led to the uptick in production?
Darius Muasau: I would give all of that credit to my coaching staff and the fantastic resources the UCLA program makes available to its student-athletes. To begin with the coaching staff, I was being coached up by Ken Norton Jr. It doesn’t get much better than that.
He’s a legend both as a player and as a coach. He coached in the NFL for such a long time. Being coached by Norton Jr. was an absolute honor. It was the best experience. He’s the definition of been there, done that.
He’s achieved all of my goals and aspirations. I was a sponge in the meeting room. I was always taking notes. Coach Norton Jr. gave us what I like to call golden nuggets every single day. He made me better.
We also had coach Chip Kelly. Coach D’Anton Lynn was our defensive coordinator this past season. We’re surrounded by such a great coaching staff.
Going back to the resources, we were given three meals a day. We had a nutritionist on staff that made sure we were on the right diet, customizing plans for each player as needed. We were given great supplements for our health.
We were surrounded by so many great people that invested in making us better people and players.
JM: They did just that. You had a 36.5-inch vertical at the NFL Combine. Your 1.61 10-yard split also showcased explosion out of your stance. How would you grade your overall performance?
Darius Muasau: I had a great time at the NFL Combine. I feel like I could have had a better showing overall. I wish I ran a better 40. I went out there to compete. That’s what I do. It was great meeting the other linebackers in this draft class. I feel like I could compete with the best of the best.
JM: That’s exactly what you did. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact are you going to make at the next level?
Darius Muasau: I’m looking to make a big impact. I’m the ultimate competitor at heart. That’s just the way I’m built. I’m always trying to get better. I can’t wait to compete at the next level.
I know there’s a lot of talent in the NFL and a lot of work ahead of me. I’m ready to meet the challenge head-on. I’m looking forward to my journey. I’m ready for this. I was built for it. I’m so thankful for the opportunity.