Position-by-Position Preview of UCLA's 2015 Roster
The summer season has already impacted the UCLA Bruins football team from a roster standpoint.
Head coach Jim Mora's team has suffered multiple transfers—including quarterback Asiantii Woulard. Two other outgoing transfers (Jalen Ortiz and Priest Willis) both played in the secondary.
As a result, depth takes a hit at both of those positions. While we're looking at it, the prudent thing to do would be to preview each and every positional unit on the 2015 roster.
Although the team has some deficiencies from talent and depth perspectives, the overall quality within the squad is considerably better than it was before Mora took over as the headman.
Quarterback
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With the transfer of Woulard, the competition for the starting gig pairs down to Jerry Neuheisel and Josh Rosen.
Neuheisel is a fan favorite with his gregarious personality and ties to the program. He filled in admirably in the come-from-behind victory over Texas last year. However, he might not possess the physical talent to be anything more than a spot starter.
Rosen—a much-ballyhooed freshman from St. John Bosco High School—had a good spring practice. He looks primed to win the job.
Regardless of the eventual starter, depth is scary-thin at the position. UCLA is one injury away from having a single scholarship quarterback on its roster.
Running Back
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While the quarterback position may have a few questions, the running back unit is rock-solid with the duo of Paul Perkins and Nate Starks.
Perkins led the conference in rushing a season ago (1,575 yards). With another offseason to condition and get in even better shape, there's no question he'll be pushing for postseason honors.
Starks gives UCLA an added dimension in terms of being a big, physical back with the ability to get the tough yardage. Should he continue to emerge, he'll enable UCLA to keep Perkins fresh.
Craig Lee and Steven Manfro also add depth at the position. Lee has some of the best speed on the entire team. If he's able to pick up the game from the mental side of things, he has a chance to be a big impact player going forward.
The big question mark is elite incoming freshman Soso Jamabo. Assuming he'll be able to enroll, he'll add to an already-deep backfield.
Wide Receivers
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The receiver corps is a deep unit for the Bruins. There isn't one elite talent among the group, but there are plenty of productive pass-catching options.
The starting quartet expects to include Jordan Payton, Devin Fuller, Eldridge Massington and Thomas Duarte. Payton is the leader in terms of productivity and leadership.
Watch out for Mossi Johnson. The Crenshaw High School product came on during the latter portion of the year in 2014. He's shifty with the ball in his hands and tough as nails.
Two freshmen with the ability to impact right away are Stephen Johnson III and Chris Clark. Stephen Johnson III will instantly become one of the fastest players on the roster—if not the fastest player. He'll likely start out in the slot.
The addition of Clark gives UCLA a true tight end for the first time since Joe Fauria manned the position. With the combination of Clark's sheer size and ability to catch the ball, don't be surprised if the team targets him often in red-zone situations.
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Offensive Line
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For the first time in recent memory, UCLA will field a veteran offensive line.
Center Jake Brendel will buoy the unit. A four-year starter, the Texas native is the linchpin of the group.
Left tackle Conor McDermott will look to take the next step in his development as a player. On pure ability, he's likely the most talented of the bunch.
Depending on Caleb Benenoch's health (leg surgery), he could line up at either right tackle or left guard. Junior Alex Redmond figures to be the starter at the other guard spot.
Should Benenoch slide inside, Simon Goines will likely snag the right tackle job. If Benenoch stays outside, Kenny Lacy will get a long look at guard. Poasi Moala and Zach Bateman will also figure into the mix.
Regardless, UCLA will have plenty of options going forward (health permitting).
Defensive Line
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The duo of Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenny Clark is arguably the best pairing of any defensive linemen in the conference.
Clark, in particular, has been exceptional throughout his first two years in Westwood. Built low to the ground, he's adept at taking on multiple blockers with his natural strength. This, in turn, has allowed linebackers to shoot the gaps and make the requisite plays.
Vanderdoes has flashed his upside at times but has yet to consistently become the force he was in high school. Now fully healthy, he could have a monster junior campaign.
UCLA's defense figures to be multiple. If it goes to a 4-3 look, the starting defensive ends will likely be Takk McKinley and an outside rushing linebacker. In a 3-4 alignment, a combination of McKinley and Matt Dickerson should get the job done.
Depth isn't outstanding—especially at defensive tackle. Inside, the Bruins will rely on Eli Ankou and the inexperienced pairing of Ainuu Taua and Najee Toran.
At end, Dickerson and Jacob Tuioti-Mariner should see substantial roles as the top reserves. Both have the potential to be impact players down the line.
Linebackers
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The linebacker group is one of the most talented across the board on the roster.
Although he plays a great deal of the time with his hand in the dirt, Deon Hollins will patrol one of the outside linebacker spots. He led the team in sacks a season ago (with nine) and figures to be even better this year as a junior.
The other outside spot is a bit of a question mark. Aaron Wallace is likely the favorite, based on experience, but a host of players—Kenny Orjioke, Cameron Judge and Cameron Griffin—will fight for time.
The heart of UCLA's defense should be good this year. Sophomore Kenny Young will start at one of the spots. For a freshman, he demonstrated above-average awareness to go along with a physical nature.
The ultra-talented Myles Jack will take over for Eric Kendricks. Not only will Jack be positioned to make more plays in the middle, but he'll also have the opportunity to exercise his leadership capabilities as the leader of the defense.
All in all, it's a deep group with the potential to be exceptional.
Defensive Backs
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With the recent transfers of Willis and Ortiz, the depth at corner isn't great.
Fabian Moreau and Marcus Rios figure to start at corner, with Ishmael Adams patrolling the nickelback spot. Beyond the troika, UCLA has a litany of inexperienced and injury-prone players (Denzel Fisher, Johnny Johnson and Justin Combs).
Due to this development, expect some of the true freshmen (Octavius Spencer, William Lockett and DeChaun Holiday) to play right away.
Fortunately for UCLA, it has good depth at safety. The return of Randall Goforth is a big boon for the defense. Coupled with Jaleel Wadood, the duo will make up a solid starting tandem.
While both lack ideal size for the position, each player makes up for the deficiency with intuitiveness and physicality.
Special Teams
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Starting kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn and starting punter Matt Mengel return from a season ago.
While not exceptional talents, both are serviceable options. UCLA will hope Fairbairn can become more consistent than he's been—especially on field-goal attempts stretching past 40 yards.
Adams will yet again headline the return game. At times a season ago, he was absolutely electric in the open field. Other options on punt and kick return include Lee, Mossi Johnson, Fuller, Stephen Johnson III and Kenny Walker.
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