UCLA Football: Breaking Down Bruins' QB Contenders for 2015

The most interesting position battle heading into the offseason for the UCLA football team is at quarterback. 

Last year's starting quarterback, Brett Hundley, is headed to the NFL. Hundley was able to generate tremendous production during his three years in Westwood. In fact, from a statistical standpoint, he is perhaps the best quarterback to ever play at the university. 

Needless to say, the next eventual starting quarterback at UCLA will have some massive shoes to fill. 

This piece will look at the three most logical candidates competing to be the next signal-caller in Westwood. One area of concern is the lack of tangible time on the field. Of the trio vying for the job, only one has played (albeit minimally) in a collegiate game.

Jerry Neuheisel

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Neuheisel scrambling in the Stanford game.

Jerry Neuheisel is the most experienced member battling in the quarterback derby. 

In 2014, he filled in admirably for an injured Hundley—leading the Bruins to a come-from-behind 20-17 victory over the Texas Longhorns. In the process, Neuheisel demonstrated considerable moxie, competitiveness and leadership. 

Neuheisel has a gregarious personality. He's also supremely intelligent, and he has a very good understanding of the offense. With that said, there are some questions as to his physical limitations. 

Of the quarterbacks in question, Neuheisel is at a disadvantage from both an arm strength and athleticism standpoint. 

Expect Neuheisel to be in the thick of things when it comes to the starting job. If anything, he'll provide UCLA with a steady option at the position—regardless of whether or not he starts.

Josh Rosen

Rated as the No. 2 player overall in the entire country by Rivals.com, Josh Rosen enters UCLA with immense hype. 

The St. John Bosco High School product has every tool needed in order to become a fantastic quarterback.

Rosen has superlative arm strength, and he can make throws to all spots on the field.

He might not be Michael Vick running the football, but Rosen has sneaky athleticism (think Aaron Rodgers), too. The talented signal-caller is more than capable of picking up yardage with his legs. 

Rosen is also a very intelligent individual. His high academic standing allowed for him to graduate from high school early and enroll at UCLA. As a result, Rosen will be able to participate in offseason workouts and spring practice. 

This development considerably helps Rosen's chances at winning the job. He'll get a chance to acclimate to university life and get an early start on sharpening his skills as a passer even further. 

At this point, he has as good a chance as any to start the season opener next year versus Virginia. 

Asiantii Woulard

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Asiantii Woulard warming up at ASU.

The most intriguing option in this competition is Asiantii Woulard. 

A native of Florida, Woulard also came to UCLA with some considerable publicity. He was named as the 2012 MVP of the famed Elite 11 finals. Possessing a rocket arm and good athleticism, many pictured Woulard being the heir apparent to Hundley. 

This past year, Neuheisel beat out Woulard for the backup spot behind Hundley. While possessing a superior skill set, Neuheisel won the job in large part thanks to his knowledge of the offense. 

This offseason will be key for Woulard. He'll need to improve upon the mental side of the position and become a more polished passer. With that said, the talent is there for Woulard to eventually become a starting quarterback.