UCLA Football: First Impressions from 2015 Fall Camp

The UCLA football team has officially started its first week of fall practice in San Bernardino. 

As is the case with the commencement of such a period, there aren't a ton of conclusions to draw from the first day. A certain bit of rust has to be eradicated, and the players should undoubtedly be a whole lot better at the end of camp when compared to the beginning. 

With that said, personnel musings dominated the initial practice. Multiple players were absent from camp for a myriad of reasons. 

This piece will delve into the first impressions from fall camp for Jim Mora and the UCLA Bruins. 

Chris Clark Isn't Participating

The most noteworthy news from the first day centered around tight end Chris Clark. 

A former 5-star prospect from New Jersey, Clark was not practicing with the team. He came down with mononucleosis—and has been battling it for the past few weeks. 

For an athlete, this isn't a good development. Aside from zapping energy and the ability to practice, Clark likely will lose both weight and strength in the process. 

There's no timetable for his return. Clark may be able to contribute during the latter portion of camp. However, this affliction could ultimately result in a redshirt year—something UCLA and Clark both hope to avoid. 

Notable Absences

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Goines has an undisclosed medical issue.

Aside from Clark, the other notable absences included tackle Simon Goines, running back Craig Lee and wide receiver Cordell Broadus. 

Goines is out with what Mora termed a "medical issue," via Edward Lewis of Bruin Sports Report. UCLA's head coach wasn't overly forthright with Goines' status going forward, other than stating Goines will not participate in San Bernardino.

It's a tough blow for Goines, who's battled various injuries throughout his career in Westwood. He was projected to potentially contend for a starting job along the offensive line. 

Lee is finishing up things academically but figures to rejoin the team. Broadus was excused in order to take care of some personal matters. 

The State of the OL

According to David Woods of Bruin Report Online, UCLA trotted out what looks like its potential first-string offensive line unit. 

The group comprised (left to right) Conor McDermott, Kenny Lacy, Jake Brendel, Alex Redmond and Caleb Benenoch. Woods in particular was very impressed with how Benenoch appeared physically. 

With the combination of talent and experience, it should be a very solid quintet. Losing Goines could potentially be a blow. There was a chance he would've plugged in at right tackle—with Benenoch sliding inside at guard. 

As it currently stands, Lacy will fill in as the starter. 

Behind the starting unit, keep an eye on Kolton Miller and Fred Ulu-Perry. Miller is the left tackle of the future for UCLA. Ulu-Perry will likely be the second-string center behind Brendel—and could move inside to guard if needed. 

Options in the Slot

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Mossi Johnson leaping over a defender.

The presence of both sophomore Mossi Johnson and freshman Stephen Johnson III has resulted in starter Devin Fuller moving from the slot to an outside receiver position. 

The elder Johnson really came on during the second half of the 2014 season. His agility and toughness truly made him a dynamic option in the slot. Los Angeles Times writer Eric Sondheimer predicts Johnson will have a big year for the Bruins in 2015. 

The younger Johnson has impressed immensely with his speed and quickness. As noted by Woods, he was effective with the ball in his hands. His overall speed is perhaps the best of anyone's on the entire roster. 

Both truly have the potential to add some spice to UCLA's receiver corps. 

Running Backs Looked Good

UCLA's stable of running backs is perhaps as deep as one will find in the Pac-12. 

Paul Perkins will look to build upon a year in which he led the conference in rushing yards a season ago. He figures to be one of the best backs in the country in 2015. 

However, his backup Nate Starks has continued to flash during the offseason. According to Woods, Starks looked "a little faster and a little more explosive" due to losing some weight. 

Freshmen Bolu Olorunfunmi and Soso Jamabo also had their moments in the opening practice. Olorunfunmi in particular impressed with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.