UCLA Football: 3 Former Top Recruits Who Will Finally Shine in 2015

The time has come for three former top recruits to have big seasons for the UCLA Bruins football team. 

The trio in question all were highly regarded high school prospects. All three had many options when deciding where to further their respective educations. Two were 5-star athletes, while the third was a decorated 4-star prospect. 

This piece will prognosticate a bit when looking forward to 2015. Two of the players featured in this piece should be fully healthy for the first time in their UCLA careers. With that in mind, one would surmise a breakout season being in the cards. 

Here are three former big-time prospects with the potential to shine this season for Jim Mora and the UCLA Bruins. 

Eldridge Massington

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Massington making a grab versus Memphis.

A former Rivals.com 4-star prospect and top 250 prospect nationally, Eldridge Massington was a big get for UCLA. He initially was committed to Southern Cal—before changing his mind and opting for UCLA over Alabama.

Massington tore his ACL as a senior in high school. As a result, he hasn't quite gotten back to the level he once was at. 

Last year as a redshirt freshman, Massington had 25 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns. Although a bulky knee brace limited his mobility to an extent, he began to flash his immense ability. 

Now a redshirt sophomore, he should be fully recovered from the injury. Devin Lucien's sudden transfer opens up the possibility for Massington to be the third starting receiver next to Devin Fuller and Jordan Payton. 

He should be able to improve upon his numbers from a year ago. 

Josh Rosen

Okay, I cheated a bit on this one. 

Rosen technically is a former top recruit—as he enrolled this past January. Scout.com had Rosen ranked as its top quarterback in the class of 2015. Rivals.com had Rosen as the No. 2 player in the entire country.

With his skill set, Rosen is one of the most advanced quarterback prospects to enter the collegiate level in the last decade—regardless of location. 

I fully expect Rosen to be named as the starting quarterback for the Bruins in 2015. Not only that, but Rosen will also have a very good freshman campaign. 

The St. John Bosco High School product is surrounded by an experienced offensive line, an above-average stable of receivers and arguably the best running back in the conference. 

All of these aspects will undoubtedly make his transition to the college game easier. 

Eddie Vanderdoes

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Vanderdoes chasing down Kessler.

Starting defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes looks primed to have a big year. 

The junior out of Northern California was a Rivals.com 5-star prospect. Due to some strange circumstances, Vanderdoes signed with Notre Dame—but left before he was even enrolled. 

This past spring was the first offseason in which Vanderdoes was healthy. A back injury hindered his efforts the fall of his freshman year, and he was sidelined with a foot injury last year. 

Now in perhaps the best shape of his life, there's no question his level of play should rise considerably. The ability has always been there—and has flashed at times during his first two years. However, Vanderdoes should now be able to put it all together and have a very productive 2015 season. 

If he does, he could leave after his junior year as a high NFL pick.