100 Days Until UCLA Football
One hundred days, Bruin fans. There are only one hundred days until the UCLA Football team takes the field for the first time in their quest for glory. In one hundred days, the Bruins will take on the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday, August 30. In one hundred days, the Bruins will look to have one of the most exciting seasons in a long time. Are you excited? We are.
There is an entire summer between now and the first week of college football and the anticipation is intense. Let us not beat around the bush here, the Bruin faithful have high hopes for the upcoming season, and why not? There is so much to look forward to. Shall we begin?
The Schedule
Oregon, Stanford and USC at the Rose Bowl… no problem!
UCLA’s 2014 Football Schedule. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/k5AAPO97OO
— 8 Clap (@8ClapRadio) January 8, 2014
The Coaching Staff
How about these guys? About to enter their third season in Westwood and they already have title aspirations. Head coach Jim Mora spurned offers from big programs after last season’s success and has vowed to be a Bruin for a while. He did sign an extension through 2019 to prove it. This man has lit a fire in the heart of UCLA Football and it is not going out any time soon. Get use to this face, America. It is coming for you!
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora holds the 2013 Sun Bowl trophy after defeating Virginia Tech Hokies 42-12 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
This is going to be a big season for the Heisman hopefully. Not only is he looking to break several records, but he is looking to lead the Bruins, to not only the Conference Championship, but the National Championship as well. Hundley will be huge ladies and gentlemen! So how does he stay in shape?
He is back for his second go-round as the midriff-sporting, linebacking terror you love to love. He was the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year and looks to be one of the most athletic specimens in the nation in 2014. He is incredible, take a look for yourself…
The O-Line
The offensive line is the best it has been in years. With the likes of 6’5″, 315 lbs. Caleb Benenoch, 6’7″ transfer Malcom Bunche, Jake Brendel (who is named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List), 6’5′” 300 lbs. Alex Redmond and up-and-comer Poasi Moala, the Bruins should be well protected on the offensive side of the ball. Even better, they are at the LEAST, two deep at each position. I mean come on, does anyone really want to mess with this?
#UCLA OL Caleb Benenoch hit the gym hard this offseason. Up to 315 pounds. His shirt can't even contain him anymore. pic.twitter.com/gsEOcRJDq6
— Edward Lewis (@Edward__Lewis) April 4, 2014
Kennedy Polamalu, The New Running Backs Coach
The Bruins running game should pack some punch this season behind famed the player and coach. Last season, Hundley was the leading rusher on the team, mostly due to injuries late in the season. Next year, that should change with an improved focus on the running game that will have all day to move behind that massive O-line. Are you excited for the running game? We are! Check out Go Joe Bruin’s Projecting The Depth Chart for an in-depth analysis.
DC Jeff Ulbrich
The new Defensive Coordinator was promoted from Linebackers/Special Teams Coach in the off-season. It is his first shot in a big role and he does not intend to take it lightly. He inherits one of the best defenses in the Pac-12 Conference, but it is a defense that he knows and that knows him. Ulbrich should excel in his new role, but more importantly, how badass is he?
#UCLA DC Jeff Ulbrich talking about losing the spring game. Too priceless not to watch: https://t.co/9HkDT6uXZ3
— Edward Lewis (@Edward__Lewis) April 27, 2014
Wide Receivers
The Bruins lose go-to guy Shaquelle Evans to the New York Jets, but are stacked this season with players that should impress in their first year of their new roles in the Bruin’s system. With Hundley guiding the offense, he will have several targets to look at next season. For example, there are returning WRs Devin Fuller, Devin Lucien and Jordan Payton. There is also Tight End Thomas Duarte who is looking to have a BIG season. You have Fullback Nate Iese who should figure more into the passing game and not to mention, UCLA has three freshmen coming in the fall who are all 6’2′ or taller. Can you imagine what Pac-12 defenses will be trying to do to stop these guys next season? Not a whole lot, I’ll tell you that.
Recruits
Several recruits have already joined UCLA for Spring Practice, while the majority of them will enter in the fall. If need be, re-familiarize yourself with the 2014 recruiting class. Just imagine how these young men will fit into the Bruin’s future. This is another reason to be excited for UCLA football… Coach Mora is getting it done on the recruiting trail!
| 2014 Recruiting Class | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Position | Height/Weight | Rating |
| Matt Dickerson | Defensive End | 6’5’/260 lbs. | * * * * |
| Denzel Fisher | Cornerback | 6’2″/170 lbs. | * * * |
| Cameron Griffin | Middle Linebacker | 6’3″/210 lbs. | * * * |
| Jordan Lasley | Wide Receivers | 6’2’/180 lbs. | * * * |
| Kolton Miller | Offensive Tackle | 6’8″/280 lbs. | * * * |
| Adarius Pickett | Cornerback | 6’0″/185 lbs. | * * * * |
| Austin Roberts | Wide Receiver | 6’2″/221 lbs. | * * * * |
| Ron Robinson | Safety | 6’2″/195 lbs. | * * * |
| Aaron Sharp | Quarterback | 6’3″/190 lbs. | * * * |
| Nathan Starks | Running Back | 6’0″/190 lbs. | * * * * |
| Ainuu Taua | Defensive Tackle | 6’1″/270 lbs. | * * * |
| Najee Toran | Center | 6’3″/258 lbs. | * * * |
| Jacob Tuioti-Mariner | Defensive End | 6’4″/265 lbs. | * * * * |
| Alex Van Dyke | Wide Receiver | 6’4″/210 lbs. | * * * * |
| Jaleel Wadood | Safety | 5’11″/170 lbs. | * * * * |
| Zach Whitley | Middle Linebacker | 6’2″/220 lbs. | * * * * |
| Dwight Williams | Outside Linebacker | 6’1″/212 lbs. | * * * |
| Kenny Young | Middle Linebacker | 6’2″/225 lbs. | * * * * |
(Ratings per Scout.com)
And Last But Not Least – The Rose Bowl
Don’t you just want to be there? I mean right now.
Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of the Rose Bowl before the NCAA football game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the UCLA Bruins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
100 days and counting Bruin fans! It will seem like forever before UCLA football graces us with its presence, but then again, it will seem like no time at all once it gets here. Although, it would be nice to get a proper fix in the interim… does anyone know when the Pac-12 Network will bring back ‘Football In 60’?
Mike W.R.
Twitter: @TheBigDisco