Mique Juarez – Noteworthy
Mique Juarez has left the UCLA football program after three years that were as dramatic off the field as they were uneventful on it, but the former five-star recruit vows that this won’t be the last chapter in his story. “No one was able to see what the real Mique Juarez was coming out of high school,” Juarez said over the phone Thursday, his voice equal parts frustrated and motivated. Head coach Chip Kelly confirmed Juarez’s departure Thursday, citing the linebacker’s medical history. The one-time North Torrance High star has suffered at least three concussions during his UCLA career, playing in 14 games, mostly on special teams, with three tackles. Last season, as a redshirt sophomore, he missed 11 games due to concussions after appearing to suffer a head injury in practice on Sept. 3. Juarez has about seven classes left before finishing his history degree and intends to graduate by next winter. Then he’ll officially close his UCLA tenure and pursue a grad transfer. “Whether a D-III school, a smaller school, I’m going to take that opportunity if that’s the only one I have,” said Juarez, who has not added his name to the transfer portal. “I just want to play football for myself.” – Los Angeles Daily News
