UCLA Football: Bruins' Most Important Player at Each Position
With the 2015 season rapidly approaching, the UCLA football program is about to begin its summer workout session. The freshmen have already moved onto campus and have started the process of attending school.
As is the case with any barbershop-type conversation, everyone speculates and offers opinions as to which player on the team is the important cog at his specific position.
This piece will do just that—it explains the most significant Bruins for each individual spot. More times than not, the player with the most talent will also suffice as the one with the highest significance level.
Let us take a look at the roster and dive into this topic.
Quarterback
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Most Important Player: Josh Rosen
Freshman Josh Rosen is the most significant player at the quarterback position for a myriad of reasons.
It would be a relative shock if he isn't named as the eventual starting signal-caller. Compared to fellow competitor Jerry Neuheisel, Rosen enjoys a considerable advantage from a physical standpoint.
Additionally, Rosen should give UCLA its best chance to win. His arm talent likely signals an advantage in terms of attacking the opposition down the field. This aspect hasn't always been consistent with the offense in the past three years.
Lastly, a move to Rosen speaks to the future of this program. He could ultimately be the starting quarterback in Westwood for the next three or four years.
Running Back
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Most Important Player: Paul Perkins
Running back Paul Perkins will be Rosen's best friend this season. He will help to take pressure off of the young quarterback with his ability to tote the rock. Perkins led the Pac-12 in rushing a season ago after totaling 1,575 yards, and he is now primed to have an even bigger year in his junior campaign.
There's no question Perkins is the most important member of the team on the offensive side of the ball. He truly emerged last year as a sophomore.
Perkins undoubtedly will be the focal point for the offense in 2015.
Wide Receiver
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Most Important Player: Jordan Payton
Senior pass-catcher Jordan Payton is the most important receiver within a deep group for the Bruins.
As the most experienced member of the group, he's also the best blocker and the most productive from a statistical standpoint.
Above all else, he'll provide a young quarterback (with the assumption that Rosen starts) with a reliable target to throw to. Payton's consistency as a pass-catcher is arguably his best trait.
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Offensive Line
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Most Important Player: Conor McDermott
Center Jake Brendel makes a case to be on this list. As the starting center, he's the linchpin and veteran of the offensive line.
However, starting a true freshman at quarterback necessitates having a very good option protecting the signal-caller's blind side. This is where Conor McDermott enters the fold.
As the starting left tackle, McDermott completely changed the look of the offensive line a season ago. His prowess as a pass protector was plainly evident. His long arms and 6'9" frame made him very tough to beat off the edge.
There's no question that Rosen will experience some growing pains. Potential problems in terms of pocket awareness are to be expected. As a result, McDermott's ability to protect Rosen's blind side will be even more paramount. This is intensified even further by the fact UCLA has only two scholarship quarterbacks on its entire roster.
Defensive Line
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Most Important Player: Kenny Clark
Junior defensive lineman Kenny Clark is the unquestioned anchor of UCLA's defensive front.
The California native has every characteristic one would want in a starting nose guard. Clark is built low to the ground, has great hands and possesses exceptional natural strength.
When looking at tape, it doesn't take long to see his explosive nature—taking on multiple blockers and faring quite well. Clark is also disruptive as a run-blocker.
With depth very limited behind him, it's imperative for Clark to stay healthy. Not only is he one of UCLA's best defensive players, but the lack of proven bodies in a reserve capacity makes him arguably the most significant player overall on the entire roster.
Linebacker
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Most Important Player: Myles Jack
Arguably the most talented player on the roster, Jack assumes the role as the most significant linebacker within the corps.
Jack's importance is magnified even further with the loss of Eric Kendricks. Jack is not only tasked with replacing some of the lost production, but he'll inherit Kendricks' spot in the middle.
With the added responsibility, all eyes will be on UCLA's explosive playmaker. It will be fascinating to see how Jack's evolution from an outside 'backer into the middle will unfold.
Secondary
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Most Important Player: Randall Goforth
Now fully healthy, Junior defensive back Randall Goforth will resume his role as the quarterback of the UCLA secondary.
It's no secret that he's a smart and savvy football player. Goforth makes up for his relative lack of size with his brains. Positionally, he's great at putting himself in the right spot to succeed.
More than that, he's a ball hawk. Goforth is seemingly always around the football. His return from injury will be a big boost for the Bruins on the back end.
Special Teams
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Most Important Player: Ishmael Adams
UCLA's diminutive return man was a revelation for the Bruins last year.
Simply put, junior defensive back Ishmael Adams was a threat to break a big play each and every time he touched the ball. Versus Arizona State, he demonstrated his immense ability in the open field for a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Versus Texas, a big return set up the game-winning touchdown toss from Neuheisel to Payton.
Adams gives UCLA a dynamic return man with a penchant for jump-starting the offense. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him get a look at returning punts as well in 2015.
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