UCLA Football: Why Myles Jack Will Be Bruins' X-Factor in 2015

For diehard UCLA football fans, this offseason has been chock-full of turmoil. 

Recruiting sagas, the suspension of a coach, the addition of a coach, multiple transfers and the "Diddy incident" have dominated the headlines. It certainly has been the most trying and complicated offseason in the Jim Mora era. 

When speaking about the fortunes of this upcoming year, there's a lot to like about the squad, though. UCLA returns a considerable amount of starters from its 10-3 team in 2014. The quality depth is perhaps the best it's been in more than a decade. 

Much will hinge upon the quarterback position. The eventual starter—Jerry Neuheisel or Josh Rosen—will have to play well. 

With that said, there is a significant X-factor for the Bruins in 2015. 

His name is Myles Jack. 

Why Jack? 

One would be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic player on the defensive side of the ball. 

Jack is akin to a heat-seeking missile when pursuing offensive skill players. He's demonstrated the propensity to pack a considerable punch with any hit. He is also seemingly always around the ball. 

As a true freshman in 2013, Jack accrued 76 tackles—including seven tackles for loss and two interceptions. Last year as a sophomore, he finished with 87 tackles and eight tackles for loss. 

Jack's ability to cover in space is truly unique. He effectively held 2015 NFL draft first-round receiver Nelson Agholor to only three catches for 24 yards. Against Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl, he was routinely matched up with receivers in the slot.

A man listed at 6'1", 232 pounds should not move the way that Jack does. 

Above everything, he possesses the talent needed to take UCLA from a solid defense to potentially a very good one. 

Jack's Importance to the Team

Jack's importance to the team is paramount. He'll be tasked with replacing Eric Kendricks in the heart of UCLA's defense. 

In case you were living under a rock, Kendricks was an absolute stud for the Bruins over the course of the past four seasons. In his career, the current member of the Minnesota Vikings compiled 480 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.  

Kendricks is UCLA's all-time leading tackler. He also won the Lott Trophy and the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker. 

Above everything, he was a steadying presence in the middle for the Bruins. His high football intelligence enabled him to always put himself in the right position. He also displayed tremendous leadership qualities from the spot. 

Filling in for Kendricks obviously will not be an easy task. Jack has predominantly played as an outside linebacker in UCLA's defensive scheme. 

New defensive coordinator Tom Bradley will surely add some wrinkles to the operation. Not only will Jack be functioning at a different position, but he'll also be learning new terminology. 

Additionally, he is now a junior. As the supposed fulcrum within UCLA's defense, he'll have to demonstrate many of the responsibilities Kendricks had—which include making sure his fellow defenders are lined up properly and providing support from a leadership capacity. 

Jack has all of the tools to be a fantastic middle 'backer. While he lacks a ton of experience at the spot, his awesome athleticism will help to mask any initial deficiencies. Positioned in the middle should also help the elite athlete to make even more plays. 

Since he's replacing an all-time UCLA great at a premium position, Jack is unquestionably a big X-factor going forward in 2015.