UCLA Football: 4 Bruins Poised to Break out in 2015

The start of a new season brings much excitement for any football program, including the UCLA football team. 

It's always fascinating to see athletes emerge and impact a team considerably. Four players on the UCLA football team will fit into this category heading into 2015. 

Of the four, three play on the defensive side of the ball. While none of these players are complete unknowns, their expected roles—and levels of productivity—will continue to rise. 

A fourth player also figures to be a fixture on UCLA's offense line for the next few seasons. 

Here's a look at four Bruins poised for breakout seasons in 2015.

Deon Hollins

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Hollins making a sack in the bowl game.

Of the players on this list, soon-to-be junior Deon Hollins will gain the most notoriety from a national perspective. 

The Houston native led the Bruins in sacks this past year with nine, and he put an exclamation point on his sophomore campaign with a dominating effort versus Kansas State in the Valero Alamo Bowl. In the game, he accrued three sacks and was the best defensive player of the evening. 

Hollins will be UCLA's main threat rushing the passer next season. His combination of quickness and speed makes him very difficult to stop—especially in obvious passing situations. Hollins is at his best when he can pin his proverbial ears back and get after the opposing signal-caller. 

Expect the defensive end to improve upon his sack total from this year and produce a double-digit sack total in 2015.

Takk McKinley

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McKinley making a sack versus Southern Cal.

Not many people outside of the UCLA football fanbase will know the name "Takkarist McKinley." However by next year, he very well could be a known commodity within the Pac-12. 

The outside linebacker/defensive end was behind the proverbial eight ball last year. He came to UCLA three games into the season and was thrust into action in a limited role. Although a very raw prospect, there were glimpses of his ridiculous athleticism. Simply put, he's one of, if not the most athletic player on the entire roster. 

A full offseason will be incredibly beneficial for his game. Not only will McKinley be able to participate in a college workout program for the first time, but he will also be able to continue his development from a fundamentals standpoint.

Conor McDermott

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McDermott embracing Myles Jack after a touchdown.

Conor McDermott was a revelation at left tackle last season. 

Battling numerous injuries, the Nashville native was able to get fully healthy midway through the 2014 season. After that point, he effectively protected quarterback Brett Hundley's blind side. 

McDermott—who came to UCLA initially as a tight end prospect—has natural bend and tremendously long arms. He also retained impressive athleticism and has terrific feet. 

The tackle is also just scratching the surface on his ability. With another offseason of strength training, there's no telling how good he'll ultimately be. McDermott has the ability to one day be an NFL player.

Kenny Young

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Kenny Young is a strong dude.

Kenny Young has some big shoes to fill heading into 2015. 

Replacing Eric Kendricks is no enviable task. The Bruins middle linebacker will go down as one of the best to ever play the position at UCLA. However, Young has the skill set to be a very nice player in his own right. 

The New Orleans native displayed impressive instincts as a true freshman. He often made the right read and truly did have a nose for the football. 

Young's physicality will also serve him well going forward. Although it's unlikely he will top the 136 total tackles Kendricks compiled this year, Young will make his presence known in a starting role.