UCLA Football: 3 Commits Who Will Start a Game for the Bruins in 2015

For the first time in the Jim Mora era, it appears as if the UCLA football program will be able to build depth and redshirt the majority of its upcoming recruiting class. 

A lack of depth across the roster in the previous three years necessitated the implementation of inexperienced players at most spots within the starting lineup. With the majority of those players now upperclassmen, the team can theoretically afford to become a bit more selective within its decision to play true freshmen. 

With that said, there are three newcomers with the distinct possibility of starting games in 2015. Two of these new additions will be true freshmen, while a third comes to Westwood from the junior college ranks. 

This piece focuses on three new Bruins ready to make an impact early. The selection of these players largely stems from both a talent standpoint, as well as need on the current roster. 

Zach Bateman

Photo courtesy of 247Sports.

A grainy picture of OT prospect Zach Bateman.

Scout.com 4-star offensive tackle Zach Bateman gives UCLA considerable flexibility heading into next year. 

Bateman has the ability to play at both tackle spots. The prudent decision might be moving incumbent right tackle Caleb Benenoch inside to his more natural position at guard. 

If this scenario were to unfold, Bateman would likely battle Simon Goines for the right tackle job. 

With the amount of injuries UCLA seemingly suffers on the offensive line every year, signing Bateman was significant. At worst, he'll provide nice cover along the line. Bateman possesses great length and overall size, and he has impressive lateral quickness. 

Ryan Newsome

UCLA finally landed the elusive, quick playmaker it desperately needed. 

In an emotional scene, Ryan Newsome opted for UCLA over his hometown Texas Longhorns. In the process, he gave the Bruins an elite athlete at the slot receiver position. 

To be blunt, there's no one like Newsome currently on the roster. He's been timed at 10.37 in the 100-meter sprint and has also clocked a sub-4.4 time in the 40-yard dash according to Hudl. Newsome has the ability to turn a short pass into a big play. 

Newsome adds a very exciting dimension to the offense. Whether it's in the slot or in the return game, he will impact the team as a true freshman.  

Josh Rosen

Isaac Brekken/Associated Press

QB Josh Rosen...

Is anyone remotely surprised to see Josh Rosen on this list? 

The elite quarterback out of St. John Bosco High School is walking into a virtually perfect situation as a true freshman. UCLA returns 18 starters and has a vacant opening at the signal-caller position.

The starting quarterback will be buoyed by a trio of senior receivers (Jordan Payton, Devin Fuller and Devin Lucien) as well as the Pac-12's leading rusher in Paul Perkins. 

With his combination of physical tools and mental acuity, it'd be somewhat surprising to not see Rosen take the first snap on Sep. 5 versus Virginia in the 2015 season opener. 

Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.