UCLA Football: 3 Starters on the Hot Seat in 2015 Spring Practice
When looking at the start of spring camp on March 31, there are three returning starters on the UCLA football team who need to look over their shoulders.
The proverbial hot seat is always an interesting entity. Spring ball opens the door for many inexperienced players to prove themselves. More often than not, there are a few surprises—which could ultimately lead to a usurping of a starting spot at the cost of more experienced members of the team.
This piece will look at three returning starters potentially dealing with this situation. Two of the Bruins in question might be bypassed by more talented players, while a third is dealing with the misfortune of injury.
Here are three returning starters on the hot seat for the UCLA Bruins during spring practice.
Tahaan Goodman
1 of 3
Tahaan Goodman has every physical trait one looks for in the prototypical safety.
He's got good size, impressive athleticism and considerable hitting ability. With that said, something just hasn't clicked throughout his first two seasons in Westwood.
He assumed Randall Goforth's starting role for the majority of last season. There were flashes of his immense upside. However, Goodman also did struggle at times with the mental side of the game. He was plagued by lining up in the wrong spot, and also was victimized (especially in the Stanford game) by blown coverages.
With Goforth now healthy, Goodman will have to raise his level of play considerably if he is to retain a starting spot.
Eldridge Massington
2 of 3
In his first year participating on the collegiate level, Eldridge Massington was solid.
The big receiver out of Texas had three touchdown grabs to go along with 25 receptions for 367 yards. As a big-bodied receiver, he was also very good from a blocking perspective.
As the season wore on, his effectiveness somewhat took a dip. Massington managed a total of six catches in the final five games of the year. Additionally, he seemingly (and visibly) had a hitch in his step—likely stemming from a torn ACL in high school. This somewhat limited his explosiveness and speed.
UCLA needs speed from its outside receiver. Redshirt freshman Jordan Lasley is a prime candidate to battle Massington for the starting spot. The depth at the position also took a hit, with the recent transfer news of Devin Lucien.
Look for Lasley to push Massington heavily leading up to the start of the 2015 campaign. It wouldn't be a shock to see Massington start initially, with Lasley gradually picking up more and more play time.
Scott Quessenberry
3 of 3
Starting guard Scott Quessenberry's spot could be lost—not due to a playing issue—but rather due to injury. Quessenberry underwent a shoulder surgery which might potentially keep him out of action for the considerable future.
When looking at the situation, a redshirt year could be the best course of action. Quessenberry was rushed into action (out of necessity) as a true freshman. While he battled immensely well, he was woefully undersized. A redshirt year would theoretically enable him to get fully healthy, while also allowing for gains in strength and weight.
Additionally, center Jake Brendel is a senior this year. Quessenberry—a junior—is likely the heir apparent at the position. An extra year of distance between the two would serve UCLA's offensive line well in the future. Lastly, depth along the offensive line is perhaps as strong as its been in over a decade.
Should Quessenberry not play this year, look for Kenny Lacy to get a long look. If junior college transfer Zach Bateman looks good at right tackle, Caleb Benenoch could also move over and man the vacant spot.
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