UCLA Football: 5 New Year's Resolutions for the Bruins

With the new year upon us, Jim Mora and the UCLA football team will be looking to make a list of resolutions for 2015. 

Considering the team is quite busy at the moment (slated to play versus Kansas State Friday night), I took the opportunity to save some time and make them a list of five resolutions for the upcoming year. 

These areas of self-improvement heavily speak about specific positions on the roster.

Additionally, one looks at an enhancement of the talent on the roster and the other about the bigger picture of the program. 

Finish the Recruiting Season Strong

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Mora wants to make a splash for '15.

Yes, the title does appears to be a bit contradictory in nature. 

The early part of February marks the end of the 2015 recruiting cycle. With about one month until signing day, there are multiple big fish UCLA is still chasing. 

Per Scout.com, UCLA is doing quite well from a recruiting standpoint. The Bruins have the highest star rating per commit average (3.89) of any school in the entire country. 

Interestingly (and impressively) enough, this average could prove to be even higher. The Bruins are chasing multiple prospects—DeChaun Holiday, Soso Jamabo, Chris Clark, Osa Masina—which would not only propel UCLA's numbers up even higher, but would also fill considerable needs on the roster. 

Another top class in 2015 will only help to build the depth and overall talent on the roster. 

Find a Quarterback

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Quarterback Jerry Neuheisel will compete for the job.

This is most pressing need of all the resolutions in 2015. 

With Brett Hundley headed to the NFL, there's a gaping hole at the quarterback position. The question is who will replace arguably the most decorated and productive signal-caller in UCLA history?

Of the options already on the roster, Jerry Neuheisel likely has a leg-up on both Asiantii Woulard and Aaron Sharp. While Sharp and Woulard have stronger arms and are more athletic, Neuheisel's command of the offense is clearly superior.

Like his father (former UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel), he's got a gregarious personality and has tremendous leadership qualities. 

The biggest elephant in the room is 5-star quarterback Josh Rosen, per 247Sports. Rosen is enrolling at UCLA next week. His ability to be on campus early should greatly aid in his development—as will the opportunity to participate in both workouts and spring football.

Don't be surprised if he starts as a true freshman. 

Improve on the Pass Rush

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Takk McKinley has the ability to be a beast for UCLA.

The pass rush—or lack thereof—has been an issue for UCLA all season. 

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich opted for more of a vanilla scheme the first half of the season. This resulted in a gross lack of both sacks and tackles for loss. 

From a personnel standpoint, the defensive ends and outside linebackers haven't always been the most consistent in getting after the quarterback. The two best rushers on the team—Deon Hollins and Owa Odighizuwa—finished the regular season with 6.0 and 5.0 sacks, respectively. 

While Odighizuwa gradutes this year, Hollins does return. I'd expect the Houston native to potentially get a double-digit sack total next season as a junior. 

The one player to watch out for is Takk McKinley. The junior college transfer came to UCLA during the season. While he didn't put up overly big numbers, his upside and athleticism are off the charts. 

With a full offseason of workouts and tutelage, he could be a monster in 2015. 

Develop an Explosive Wide Receiver

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WR coach Eric Yarber.

Despite a noticeable improvement within the wide receiver corps, UCLA still lacks that one player with the ability to take a short pass and turn it into a big gain. 

Of the existing members on the team, redshirt freshman Jordan Lasley could be the missing link within the unit. 

To give you an indication of his ability, he leapt over Pac-12 first-team selection Ishmael Adams in order to make this impressive catch in practice. He also delivered a nasty stiff arm against linebacker Isaako Savaiinaea. 

Even if it isn't Lasley, UCLA needs to find speed and quickness somewhere. Two other interesting names from a playmaker standpoint on the roster include Craig Lee and Kenny Walker. 

Take the Next Step as a Program

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Head coach Jim Mora.

The one thing UCLA's program hasn't been able to sustain in over two decades: consistency. 

We're currently amidst the most successful period for the UCLA football program. The Bruins have won at least nine games in three straight seasons for the first time ever. Mora has won more games in his first three seasons as any other UCLA head coach has during the same time frame. 

Next year might appear to be a bit dicey, considering UCLA will lose Hundley and all-everything linebacker Eric Kendricks. 

However, the Bruins return 10 starters on offense and will also return eight starters defensively. Whoever is the quarterback, they'll be walking into a very good situation. 

Although UCLA might not garner a ton of publicity going into next year, this is a dangerous team—and one that is now experienced.