UCLA Football: 5 Players with the Most to Gain in Spring Practice

Spring practice provides a wonderful opportunity for players on the UCLA football team to potentially rise up and make a name for themselves. 

Jim Mora's team does return the vast majority of its starters from a season ago. As a result, there likely won't be many open starting spots on the roster. However, the team does need to continue to build depth. As is the case with any sport, competition breeds excellence. 

This piece will take a look at five players with the most to gain during the spring practice period. Two of these highlighted athletes are first-year players within the program. Two more are redshirt freshmen looking to catapult up the depth chart. 

Finally, a fifth is an established star on the team. While this individual doesn't necessarily need to gain anything from a playing standpoint, other aspects of his game need to evolve. 

Zach Bateman

As a JUCO transfer, conventional wisdom likely suggests Zach Bateman that will come in and have a chance to contribute right away. 

Depth at tackle isn't outstanding by any stretch. There's a real chance starting right tackle Caleb Benenoch could slide over to his more natural position at guard.

Bateman's other competition for the starting right tackle job—Simon Goines—has battled a myriad of injuries throughout his UCLA career. At this point, it's anyone's guess as to how capable Goines will be heading into this year. 

Already enrolled in school, Bateman has a golden opportunity to solidify himself as a contributor during the spring ball period. A great camp could potentially go a long way toward winning a starting job. 

Myles Jack

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Jack toting the rock versus Oregon.

Many might be surprised by the inclusion of Myles Jack within this piece. There aren't enough superlatives to describe his first two years in Westwood. Simply put, Jack is one of the more dynamic players in the entire nation. 

He doesn't need to gain anything from a playing perspective. However, he does need to develop as a leader on the defensive side of the football. 

With Owa Odighizuwa and Eric Kendricks headed to the NFL, a gaping hole exists from a leadership standpoint. The departed duo were integral in leading by example. 

Now a junior, Jack will inherit some of those responsibilities. Last year, Jack was plagued by foolish personal foul penalties. This stemmed from a lack of discipline and experience. Those excuses certainly won't be justifiable in 2015 as an upperclassman. 

It's incumbent upon Jack to mentor younger players—while taking the next step in his development as a leader. This process will start during spring ball. 

Jordan Lasley

Jordan Lasley has the potential to be the elusive (no pun intended) and explosive receiver UCLA desperately needs—and has needed for quite some time. 

His skill set is unique when compared to the rest of the receivers on the roster. Whereas many of the pass-catching options are bigger, more physical receivers, Lasley has the reputation of making people miss in space—as well as running past defenders with his above-average speed.

In these two Instagram clips Lasley posted, he is shown in practice leaping over Ishmael Adams for a big play and also laying a vicious stiff arm on linebacker Isaako Savaiinaea.  

A strong showing in the spring could propel Lasley up the depth chart at wide receiver. 

Josh Rosen

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Freshman quarterback Josh Rosen.

Josh Rosen is an extremely intriguing and fascinating case.

The much-ballyhooed freshman graduated from high school early, largely motivated by the chance at competing for the vacant quarterback job during spring ball. 

His early arrival helps him level the respective playing field in regards to fellow quarterbacks Jerry Neuheisel and Asiantii Woulard. Rosen will have the opportunity to build a rapport with his receivers as well as dive head first into the playbook. 

Perhaps more so than anyone else mentioned within this piece, he has a viable shot at truly competing for a starting spot. 

Ainuu Taua

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Defensive tackle Ainuu Taua

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Ainuu Taua will likely become a fan favorite in Westwood with a frenetic style of play, coupled with a waterfall of hair cascading out beneath the back of his helmet. 

Taua has the versatility to play anywhere across the defensive front. A strong spring period could lay the groundwork for play time this season. With Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenny Clark potentially leaving for the NFL after this season, it would behoove Taua to capitalize on this chance and become a top reserve in 2015. 

Should Clark and/or Vanderdoes depart early, Taua could theoretically be in line for starting gig in 2016.