UCLA Football: Ranking the 5 Best Redshirt Freshmen for the Bruins

The talent on the UCLA football roster is much higher under Jim Mora than it had been before his arrival in Westwood. As a means to building up the said depth on the roster, Mora has been forced (sometimes out of necessity) to play younger players. 

In 2014, this premise continued. Players such as Jaleel Wadood and Kenny Young saw extensive time as true freshmen. 

This piece won't look at the freshmen who've played this year—but rather it will focus on those freshmen who redshirted this past year. 

Five youngsters in particular will be analyzed. Enjoy this piece on the potential future stars of the UCLA football program.

5. Denzel Fisher

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Corner Denzel Fisher

Corner Denzel Fisher primarily redshirted in order to get physically prepared for the rigors of college football. He needs to both gain weight and also improve his overall strength. 

With that said, Fisher has considerable upside as a defensive back. He's blessed with very good length. His long arms especially come in handy when fighting for the football in the air. Fisher also has the requisite quickness and hips in order to turn in coverage and jockey for position down the field. 

With depth at the position not overly great, Fisher also has a feasible shot at coming in and contributing next year in a reserve role behind Fabian Moreau.

4. Adarius Pickett

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Athlete Adarius Pickett

After bouncing back and forth between running back and safety, it appears as if Adarius Pickett will stay on the defensive side of the ball (for now). 

The fact Pickett can play multiple positions—on both sides of the ball—truly exemplifies the value and versatiliy he brings to the table. Pickett potentially could've played this season as a tailback—had it not been for the emergence of fellow freshman Nate Starks. 

Regardless, Pickett can plug in at both corner and safety. Expect the El Cerrito High School product to see time in the secondary next season. At the very least, Pickett should be a big contributor on special teams.

3. Austin Roberts

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Wide receiver Austin Roberts

Despite suffering a torn ACL before the season started, Austin Roberts is perhaps the most intriguing freshman redshirting this past year. 

Considered the top recruit from the state of Indiana in 2013, Roberts was expected to make an early impact at UCLA. If it weren't for the injury, Roberts had a real chance of being the top reserve to Thomas Duarte. 

Roberts also has the versatility to virtually play at any of the wide receiver spots. It also helps that his dad, Alfredo Roberts, is the tight ends coach with the Indianapolis Colts. 

With Roberts' pedigree and pure speed (he was the Indiana state champion in the 100-meter event), don't count out Roberts from securing a nice role next season as a redshirt freshman.

2. Ainuu Taua

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Defensive lineman Ainuu Taua

Ainuu Taua ranks highly on this list in large part due to his positional versatility. 

Taua has the ability to function as a true nose guard (with added girth) as well as lining up as a conventional defensive end in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. 

The Lompoc High School product plays with great energy and effort. He'll quickly become a fan favorite with his relentless nature and cascading hair flowing out of his helmet. 

With Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenny Clark potentially leaving after their junior seasons, next year represents a nice opportunity for Taua. He potentially could be starting as a redshirt sophomore. 2015 could act as a crucial year of acclimating to that level.

1. Jordan Lasley

In need of a big-play receiver, UCLA should look no further than Jordan Lasley. 

The athletic wideout possesses a nice combination of quickness, agility and pure speed. Lasley is the type of receiver with the ability to stretch the field vertically. 

Per Lasley's Instagram account, there was footage of him in a recent practice. 

In this clip, Lasley leaps over Pac-12 first-team selection Ishmael Adams for the catch-and-run for a score. This video has Lasley delivering a nasty stiff arm to linebacker Isaako Savaiinaea. 

Based on these clips alone, it's very apparent Lasley has serious ability. Don't be surprised to hear him make some noise next season. I know this is high praise, but Lasley looks like he has a bit of Nelson Agholor in his play.