UCLA Football: Bruins' 2015 Offseason Checklist

With the summer rapidly approaching, the UCLA football team has multiple items to mark off of its proverbial offseason checklist. 

For one, the defense will have to continue to develop under new leadership. The team as a whole will also have to continue to integrate inexperienced players into the mix. 

Jim Mora and his staff will also have to find clarity in two serious situations facing the team—from both a personnel and coaching standpoint. Lastly, the team will need to select the leader of its offense going forward. 

This piece will delve deeper into the four items mentioned above. 

Get Comfortable with Tom Bradley's Scheme

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New defensive coordinator Tom Bradley.

The addition of Tom Bradley is a major move for the Bruins. 

While taking nothing away from former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, this move is an upgrade from a football standpoint. With much more knowledge and experience as a coordinator, there isn't much Bradley hasn't seen. 

This offseason will be key for the team to fully comprehend and understand Bradley's scheme and terminology. 

A detailed glance at what Bradley's defense might look like comes here, courtesy of Chris B. Brown of Smart Football. 

Continue to Build Depth

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Tuioti-Mariner looks primed to play a big role next year.

This topic is likely on the checklist for virtually every program. Injuries undoubtedly will pop up, and the mark of any good football team is quality depth. 

Positions in most need of depth-building include defensive line, corner and wide receiver. 

Specifically up front, youngsters such as Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Matt Dickerson will both likely see their roles increase considerably from a year ago. Ainuu Taua should also be integrated as a redshirt freshman. 

At wide receiver, there's a good amount of bodies behind the projected starting corps. Jordan Lasley and Austin Roberts figure to fight for playing time, as will incoming freshmen such as Chris Clark and Stephen Johnson III. 

Lastly, the depth chart at corner will need to be sorted out. There's not a whole lot in the way of experience behind Marcus Rios and Fabian Moreau. If the light turns on for former elite recruit Priest Willis, it will help in a big way. 

Clear Up Situations with Adrian Klemm and Soso Jamabo

It has not been an easy offseason for UCLA in terms of off-the-field issues. 

Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm has been suspended by the NCAA due to recruiting violations. Mora cannot comment much on the situation, but suffice it to say, UCLA desperately needs him back. 

It was a ragtag effort during the spring, as various coaches and graduate assistant coaches filled in during Klemm's absence. Not only is Klemm a good coach, but he's arguably one of the best recruiters in the entire nation. 

Soso Jamabo (5-star signee) also ran into serious trouble, as he was arrested on an alcohol-related charge. There hasn't been any update on his status since the incident. Jamabo was expected to compete right away for playing time as a true freshman. 

Should he still enter in June, the margin for error will likely be relatively thin. 

Find a Starting Quarterback

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Mazzone speaking with Asiantii Woulard.

This is the million dollar question facing the team this offseason. 

There's little thought to the notion any of the three competitors for the job (Jerry Neuheisel, Josh Rosen, Asiantii Woulard) will replicate what Brett Hundley has done over the course of the past three seasons. 

However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. UCLA will field a veteran team for the first time under Mora's guidance. The offense is chock full of experienced talent at all positions. Mora simply needs to find the best fit from a managing standpoint. 

It will be fascinating to see how these signal-callers look in the summer and heading into fall camp in San Bernardino.