UCLA Football: Winners and Losers from Bruins' 2016 Spring

UCLA wrapped up spring practice on Saturday with exactly that—practice—which in today's era of college football is unique.

Considering the injury problems that plagued the Bruins, however, it was the prudent choice for head coach Jim Mora and Co.

Much of UCLA's efforts this spring were focused on implementing new philosophies on both sides of the football. Additionally, the Bruins started the process of replacing NFL-bound talents like Paul Perkins, Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte.

A few promising players emerged, but a couple of storylines weren't quite as wonderful—particularly for the fans. All things considered, though, it's a negative the program will accept.

Winner: Fullbacks

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

What's this? A fullback in 2016? Blasphemy!

Theoretically, UCLA will regularly utilize a blocking back this season. Cameron Griffin, Ainuu Taua and incoming freshman Jalen Starks are the primary options at the position.

Griffin is a leading candidate to start along with Taua, who is fun to think about as a fullback. He's a 5'11", 295-pound former defensive lineman built to wreck the opponent's front seven.

The Bruins rely on their spread offense, but having the option for a little bit of power football doesn't hurt.

Loser: Offensive Line

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

At every program, the theme of spring practice can be described as optimistic. Departures on the offensive line can't stop Mora from feeling confident about the regular season.

But this spring was a different story.

"They'll be a good group once we get to the fall," Mora said, according to Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Daily News. "We're incorporating three new interior guys and that's not always easy, so there's some growing pains there."

Left tackle Conor McDermott headlines the unit, which must replace Jake Brendel, Alex Redmond and Caleb Benenoch.

Winner: Ishmael Adams, Wide Receiver

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Darren Andrews returns. Theo Howard could make an immediate impact. Kenneth Walker III and Eldridge Massington might step into a leading role.

But the Bruins' best playmaker might be someone who's spent his college career on defense: Ishmael Adams, who has made the move from cornerback to wide receiver.

"He's pretty smooth," Mora said, per Bob Keisser of the Orange County Register. "We see a guy who can catch a ball in the flat and make a defender miss. He's competitive and tough. His ability to accelerate in the open field had a lot to do with our decision to move him to offense."

Adams has eight career interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Now, UCLA hopes he'll be catching touchdowns.

Loser: Overall Health

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It seemed nobody could avoid injury during spring practice.

Quarterback Josh Rosen didn't participate in a workout due to what Mora called a "minor" hip injury, per Matthew Joye of the Daily Bruin. Rosen was firing passes during UCLA's Spring Showcase, but several others were out—or had previously missed reps.

Mora said linebacker Mique Juarez and defensive end Breland Brandt were sidelined because of concussions, according to the team's official Twitter account. All-purpose back Demetric Felton needs shoulder surgery and may be sidelined for 2016. Offensive guard Tevita Halalilo must undergo a second ankle procedure.

Safety Randall Goforth was limited at times, while the Bruins eased linebacker Josh Woods back into action following a hamstring issue. Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes and cornerback Fabian Moreau are still recovering after missing most of 2015. The list goes on.

Injuries are a part of football, but the ailments and long-term problems piled up.

Winner: JJ Molson, Kicker

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Ka'imi Fairbairn ended his UCLA career as the Pac-12's all-time leading scorer, racking up 413 points.

No pressure, JJ Molson.

The nation's No. 2 prospect, Molson arrived in Los Angeles with a high billing and pressure to succeed right away. He must hold off Andrew Strauch, but Molson is headed for the starting position.

Molson hammered three field goals on Saturday, punctuating what was by all accounts a strong debut. And if he's as reliable as Fairbairn, Molson might end his UCLA days the same way.

Loser: Fans of Modern Spring Games

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Soso Jamabo took a handoff and burst through a hole and up the left sideline. The running back located the nearest defender, lowered his shoulder and...gently ended the play.

For us—insatiable football fans of the highest order—UCLA's final outing of spring practice was still just kind of a thing that happened.

Mora had a logical reason, though. 

"At this point in our development, that's [not] worth it," he said, per Nguyen. "We can create those situations that we want without having 22 UCLA players at risk for serious injury every play."

The Bruins avoided more injuries on Saturday. They had the desired quiet end to spring practice. We must wait until Sep. 3 for UCLA to really hit someone.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.