UCLA Football Recruiting: Top 5 Offensive Skill Targets for '16 Class

In order for the UCLA football program to take the next step in its goal of winning a Pac-12 title, it has to improve at the skill positions—specifically in terms of speed.

While the Bruins' wide receiver corps has been productive under head coach Jim Mora, the group collectively has lacked a game-breaker with the ability to take the top off of a defense. 

This piece will look at multiple prospects with the ability to upgrade the amount of athleticism within the skill positions. It includes three receivers, a very fast running back and a local quarterback with the potential to add depth behind Josh Rosen. 

Here are the top five offensive targets in the 2016 class for the UCLA Bruins. 

All star rankings are courtesy of Scout.com, unless otherwise noted.

Damian Alloway

The elusive (no pun intended) slot receiver UCLA needs could come in the form of Damian Alloway. 

Alloway is quick, agile and has very good deep speed. He's the type of player with the ability to take a short pass and turn it into a big play. 

As evidenced in his highlight reel (shown above), he also has legitimate value as a returner. His run-after-catch ability is also an impressive aspect of his game. 

Alloway ultimately could be down to UCLA and California. This could bode well for the Bruins—considering Alloway is from Southern California, and due to the fact that Cal has a ton of young receivers on its current roster. 

Demetric Felton

Like Alloway, Demetric Felton is another option as a slot receiver. 

The two are similar in playing style, but differ in body types. Alloway has a slight frame with substantial room to grow. Felton is thicker, and physically more mature. 

He's versatile from the standpoint that he can operate as both a running back and a receiver. A low center of gravity gives Felton an advantage when evading defenders. His powerful nature also helps when breaking tackles after the catch. 

At this point, it'd be a pretty big surprise if Felton did not choose UCLA. Per Greg Biggins of Scout.com, he's announcing his college choice Monday night at 10:00 p.m. ET. 

UPDATE: Felton has committed to UCLA, per Biggins. 

Sean McGrew

The diminutive running back out of St. John Bosco High School brings plenty of speed to the table. 

At a recent camp, Sean McGrew was clocked running a sub-4.5 40-yard time. One look at his highlight reel (shown above) truly demonstrates his ability to be a lethal option offensively. 

McGrew is a dynamic athlete with considerable versatility. Not only can he line up as a running back, but he can also catch passes from the slot. His ability to be a receiver makes him a perfect fit on swing passes and screens. 

McGrew is also a former high school teammate of current Bruins Rosen and Jaleel Wadood. In terms of a comparison, McGrew is very reminiscent to former UCLA running back Damien Thigpen. Should he sign with UCLA, he'll surely be utilized in a similar fashion. 

Devon Modster

Devon Modster appears to be UCLA's primary target at quarterback for the 2016 class. 

The Tesoro High School signal-caller is eerily similar to that of former Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill—both physically and in terms of his play on the field. 

Modster has good overall arm strength, and above-average mobility. Often times, he can extend a broken play with his legs. While he isn't Michael Vick with his speed, he can still be a threat running the football. 

It's key for UCLA to continue to build depth at the position. Modster could theoretically redshirt as a true freshman, and eventually become the starter at the conclusion of the Rosen era in Westwood. 

The Scout.com 4-star is also interested in Arizona, Washington State and Boise State. Interestingly enough, Modster's older brother is a receiver for the Broncos. This fact could ultimately narrow his choice between UCLA and Boise State. 

Per Scout.com writer Michael Luke, Modster will make his college decision in April. 

Darian Owens

Darian Owens out of Fresno is a jumbo athlete with terrific athleticism. 

At 6'0", he's able to use his size and strength to outmuscle defensive backs for jump balls. There's also a fluidity to him in terms of how he moves on the field. 

There's talk about potentially moving Owens to safety. With his physicality, it wouldn't be a complete shock. With that said, UCLA covets bigger receivers with good ball skills. Owens fits this description perfectly.

UCLA figures to be in the mix for him, along with a host of other schools (including Washington and Oklahoma).