No one is questioning the physical freakishness or outstanding play of MLB Rey Maualuga, but so far (with little evidence to go from) it does seem like the D gels better as a unit under the leadership of MLB Oscar Lua.

We are not sure who was calling for the defense to slant to the wrong side all the time against Washington State (Rey Maualuga or Nick Holt), but this was the role of Oscar Lua and Lofa Tatupa when they played at the MLB spot.

“There’s no one else, besides Oscar, he was like Lofa Tatupu, who always talked to the defense,” one player said.

Defensive end Lawrence Jackson said a linebacker is typically the most vocal because they act as “the quarterback of the defense.”

“I don’t think it’s any one set person,” Jackson added. “There isn’t any person right now that stands out but everyone can talk.”

Maualuga agreed but he is only a sophomore.

“The (middle linebacker) is in charge of everything,” he said. “But I think everyone can be a leader.”

No worries Rey. But as you play more and more, the more fumbles you create, the more quarterbacks you confuse, the more backs you stop in their tracks after shooting a gap, you will want to be the one, the leader, shouting reads to your teammates.

Sans Lua, defense still seeks leader [LA Daily News]