UCLA Football: 5 Most Surprising Bruins in 2014
There have been five surprise players this year for the UCLA football team.
The surprises come from opposite ends of the spectrum. Three players on this list have underachieved considerably from where they were expected to be heading into the 2014 season.
On the other side of the coin, two players mentioned have surpassed expectations—with one in particular becoming one of the best players on the team.
Here's a look at the most surprising Bruins in 2014.
Malcolm Bunche
1 of 5
As a fifth-year transfer, Malcolm Bunche was expected to solidify a starting spot and provide a veteran presence to the young offensive line group.
He did win the starting left tackle position coming out of fall camp. Since that time, Bunche has struggled. Naturally a guard, he has been troubled by the speed rush off the edge. His lack of short-area quickness and agility makes him susceptible to being beaten.
With the recent emergence of Conor McDermott, Bunche has since been slotted into his natural spot at guard. However, his play still hasn't been quite up to par. Versus Arizona last weekend, he sat out large chunks of the game, as the coaching staff opted for other selections in Kenny Lacy and Alex Redmond.
It will be fascinating to see if Bunche holds onto his starting spot. This is a far cry from his earlier projection as perhaps the top lineman on the team heading into '14.
Devin Lucien
2 of 5
Devin Lucien has been arguably the biggest disappointment thus far in the 2014 season.
UCLA needed a receiver to step up and take the place of the departed Shaq Evans. Lucien was a prime candidate for the role. Regardless, he hasn't performed well enough to be considered the best receiver on the team.
As a freshman, he averaged 18.8 yards per catch. Last year as a sophomore, he had an average of 17.8 yards per grab. This year, he's third on the team in receptions. However, he's caught 22 passes for only 161 yards. This equates to a paltry 7.3 yards-per-catch average.
With Eldridge Massington starting to emerge, Lucien's time on the field has dwindled.
Fabian Moreau
3 of 5
A certain writer had Fabian Moreau pegged as one of the top NFL prospects on the entire team heading into this year.
This was in large part due to coach Jim Mora's enthusiasm when speaking about the future of his corner.
The considerable expectations probably were too much for the inexperienced player. Moreau hasn't come close to fulfilling Mora's prophecy of becoming a first-round draft pick.
There's seemingly a lack of confidence when it comes to Moreau's ball skills. He hasn't looked great when fighting for the ball in the air with an offensive player. He's also been penalized constantly for both holding and pass interference.
His play this year has been a perplexing development.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Paul Perkins
4 of 5
The biggest surprise this year has been Paul Perkins.
The Arizona native has turned from a serviceable back into one of the better players on the team.
He not only leads the Bruins in rushing but is second overall in the conference with 1,071 yards on the ground. His 6.3 yards-per-carry average is also the best in the Pac-12.
It's the single biggest development for the football team. UCLA now has a rock-solid, consistent option at the tailback position for the foreseeable future.
Jaleel Wadood
5 of 5
Generously listed at 5'10", 175 pounds, true freshman Jaleel Wadood is one of the hardest hitters on the roster.
He plays the game like a feisty pit bull who is not afraid to come up in the box and lay the wood. Wadood has also been superlative in his positioning. His football knowledge goes far beyond his class status.
Wadood's play has led to him snagging a starting spot. Simply put, it's been impossible to keep him off the field.
The talented St. John Bosco product is fifth on the team in tackles with 46. He's been arguably the best freshman thus far out of the 2014 recruiting class.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
