Predicting The UCLA Football Starting Line-Up
After weeks of analyzing each position group, Go Joe Bruin takes a look at the UCLA Football team and predicts the starting line-up for the 2015 season.
In the last several weeks, Go Joe Bruin has taken a look at the various positions on the UCLA Football team. In those articles, we have analyzed the roster and projected the depth chart of each position group. Using those previews as a template, we now look at the what the starting line-up could be for the Bruins.
POSITION GROUP ANALYSIS: QBs, RBs, WRs, OL, DL, LBs, DBs
Quick Note: since these articles have been published, a series of events have happened that directly effect the predicting of the starting line-ups in those posts. This line-up takes into consideration injuries to Steven Manfro, Scott Quessenberry, Simon Goines, and Ishmael Adams (and depending on the severity of the injuries).
Offense
UCLA Bruins
WR – Devin Fuller
TE – Thomas Duarte/Mossi Johsnson
RT – Caleb Benenoch
RG – Alex Redmond
C – Jake Brendel
LG – Kenny Lacy
LT – Conor McDermott
QB – Josh Rosen
RB – Paul Perkins
WR – Jordan Payton
WR – Eldridge Massington
As we have stated in previous articles, we expect Josh Rosen to get the starting QB job. Along the offensive line, I had pegged Goines to get a starting role, but he will be out for the entirety of fall camp with a “medical issue”. As Go Joe Bruin writer Jake Merrifield saw at practice, the O-line should consists of McDermott, Lacy, Brendel, Redmond and Benenoch.
The RB is a no-brainer as Paul Perkins will be the #1 back. At WR we should see Payton, Fuller, Massington and Y-receiver Duarte.
Though these are just the predicted starters, expect several Bruins to get time in Offensive Coordinator Noel Mazzone‘s offense. Since the Bruins use 7-10 receivers per game, count on Nate Iese, Jordan Lasley, Alex Van Dyke, Austin Roberts, Kenny Walker and freshman TE Chris Clark (who is currently out with mononucleosis) to be in the receiving rotation. Also expect to see #2 RB Nate Starks highly involved in the running game.
Defense
Live Feed
Betsided
DE – Takkarist McKinley
NT – Kenny Clark
DT – Eddie Vanderdoes
OLB – Deon Hollins
MLB – Myles Jack
MLB – Kenny Young
CB – Marcus Rios
CB – Fabian Moreau
S – Randall Goforth
S – Jaleel Wadood
NB – Ishmael Adams
The defensive front will unquestionably be (from left to right) Vanderdoes, Clark and McKinley. The only certainty at linebacker seems to be Hollins at the edge with Jack and Young holding down the middle of the field. It is not clear if there will be a fourth LB or a nickel back to start (although expect the Bruins to switch it up).
If they use an LB, we could see Aaron Wallace start but more than likely, the Bruins will use a nickel back which could be occupied by Rios or Adams.
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- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
Special Teams
K – Ka’imi Fairbairn
P – Matt Mengel
LS – Christopher Longo
PR/KR – Ishmael Adams, Mossi Johnson
There are no surprises here as each of the kicking game players return from last season. Though Adams is currently out, expect him to continue at returns along with Mossi Johnson. Today in practice Jack, Stephen Johnson III, Jordan Lasley and Aaron Sharp are also working at returns.
Obviously, this all could change in a moment’s notice, but right now, with everything being equal, this seems like the possible starting line-up. If there are any changes, we will definitely update you.
Stay with Go Joe Bruin as we continue to bring you the latest news and opinions about UCLA Football all season long. Kick-off is now only 21 days away! Go Bruins!
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