UCLA Football: 5 Freshmen Who Must Shine in Fall Practices

The UCLA football team will welcome numerous talented freshmen to its roster in 2015. 

Jim Mora has demonstrated the propensity throughout his time in Westwood to liberally utilize his young talent at virtually every position. This upcoming season figures to be no different. 

There are five freshmen with the potential to shine right away for UCLA. Each of the players mentioned in this piece have the chance to contribute at integral spots.

Playing time will likely be garnered with strong fall camps. In other words, UCLA needs these five to perform well in order to impact the team from the get-go. 

*All recruiting rankings mentioned are per Scout.com.

Chris Clark

Chris Clark could potentially be a very big piece going forward for the UCLA Bruins in 2015. 

The 5-star prospect out of Connecticut (by way of New Jersey) is a true tight end. At 6'6", 247 pounds, Clark brings a physical presence at the position. Not only is he a threat to exploit matchups down the field, but Clark is also an excellent blocker. 

UCLA hasn't had a big target at the tight end position since Joe Fauria. When Fauria was in Westwood, the Bruins targeted him on throws down the heart of the field—as well as in red-zone opportunities. 

Clark figures to be used in a similar fashion. He gives UCLA an added dimension with his ability in the passing game—in addition to his blocking prowess in potential short-yardage situations.

Soso Jamabo

When compared to his fellow teammates on this list, 5-star running back Soso Jamabo has to shine in fall practice for other reasons. 

His brush with the law this past April likely has Jamabo on somewhat of a short leash. He'll have to be incredibly mindful of his off-the-field activities and his attitude. Although he hasn't played a down yet in college, Jamabo will also likely have to repair his image a bit with both the coaching staff and the public. 

In terms of his ability, Jamabo can be very dynamic with the ball in his hands. His unique skill set—which includes catching the ball out of the backfield—should allow for Jamabo to see time as a true freshman.

Stephen Johnson III

Stephen Johnson III has the ability to impact UCLA on either side of the ball in '15. 

Initially thought to come in as a corner, Johnson might instead start in the slot. His immense speed could be a welcomed addition to UCLA's wide receiver corps. He instantly becomes one of the fastest members of the entire roster, if not the fastest. 

Johnson also could play a pivotal role in the return game. Simply put, his versatility enhances his value—and helps to give the Bruins many options from a personnel standpoint. 

Josh Rosen

Of all the players listed within this piece, quarterback Josh Rosen has to shine the brightest. 

He has a real shot at securing the gig as UCLA's starting signal-caller. A strong fall performance will only solidify the notion even further. 

Above all else, Rosen has to give the team confidence that he can effectively lead the bunch into battle as a true freshman. He'll also essentially have to beat out a well-liked, veteran presence in Jerry Neuheisel. 

It will be a fascinating fall camp in San Bernardino in regard to Rosen and the quarterback competition in general. 

Keisean Lucier-South

UCLA's defense wasn't great at getting after the opponent's quarterback a season ago. Outside of Deon Hollins, there really isn't a consistent pass-rushing specialist on the team. 

As a result, Keisean Lucier-South has a chance to come in and be an impact player in this capacity. 

Lucier-South will have to get bigger and stronger. There's no question a year in Sal Alosi's vaunted conditioning program will do wonders. A redshirt year could potentially happen. 

However, Lucier-South possesses rare physical gifts. Tremendous quickness and length reminiscent of a praying mantis makes him a theoretically devastating pass-rushing dynamo. A strong fall camp could equal a role as a specialist on third-down (or obvious passing) situations.