UCLA Football Recruiting: Grades By Position Group

Oct 3, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Anthony Jefferson (23) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass in the final minute against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA defeated Utah 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

So how good is UCLA’s 2014 recruiting class? To answer that, we at GJB are going to break down every position group’s new guys. You have had stats and highlight films shoved in your face all week, so if that is your thing, click on some selected player’s names to get the skinny on the newest Bruin.

For now, let us see if these players accommodate the needs of UCLA Football.

Quarterbacks: B

Committed: Aaron Sharp

Sharp is the 20th ranked dual-threat quarterback (per 24/7 Sports) in the nation, which makes him the third UCLA dual threat quarterback behind Brett Hundley and possible back-up, Asiantii Woulard. At least the offense will be consistent for the next few years. And fast. And agile.

Running Backs: B+

Committed: Nathan Starks

Starks was a huge get for UCLA. The Bruins took a beating at the RB position last year, so this helps with depth, but the Bruins did not have that “#1 running back” last year and looks to be the same for next. If Starks can impress the coaches and get up to speed, than he could find himself part of the “Running Back By Committee”.

Nov 23, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) tries to run past Arizona State Sun Devils defensive end Gannon Conway (95) during second half action at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers: A

Committed: Jordan Lasley, Austin Roberts, Alex Van Dyke

The Bruins aerial attack is getting some back up as three (tall) receivers are joining the squad. Last season was about the Bruins running and throwing short distances, but now they should have a formidable crew to back-up returners Devin Lucien and Jordan Payton. Plus, word around the campfire is that 2013 commit Eldridge Massington is going to be huge next year.

Offensive Line: B+

Committed: Kolton Miller, Najee Toran

UCLA has made massive improvements in their O-line since Head Coach Jim Mora took over. With the line, even though it is pretty deep, you always want to have that stream of guys continue to flow in, especially if your position group requires five guys on the field for every play. So the Bruins add a big Texas guy and a bigger California guy (Miller is 6’8”), which is good, but another O-line commit would have really been a strong finish in recruiting.

Defensive Line: A-

Committed: Matt Dickerson, Ainuu Taua, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner

Another group that has to have players in surplus is the D-line and boy did it get a deeper with these three coming in. These guys are big to begin with, but after some development by Mora and Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, they will be sacking QBs in no time.

Linebackers: A+

Committed: Cameron Griffin, Zach Whitley, Dwight Williams, Kenny Young

Wow. “Linebacker U” just got some support. Some big, fast, scary support. The only recruit the Bruins got on Signing Day was a big-time Louisiana product, Kenny Young. This was a good group of guys coming in before Young announced, but now that he is part of this crew, all there is to say, is “wow”.

Nov 15, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Myles Jack (30) celebrates after the game against the Washington Huskies at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary: A-

Committed: Denzel Fisher, Adarius Pickett, Ron Robinson, Jaleel Wadood

Okay, this is just getting ridiculous. UCLA has created one of the best defenses in the Pac-12 and this is how it started. They stack the defense with players and load up in the secondary. This position group, dubbed a “weakness” at the beginning of the last season, will soon be one of the most dangerous in the conference.

Kickers: D

Committed: None

The Bruins may be set with kickers and that is why they get a passing grade, but failure to do this two years in a row and UCLA has an “F” coming their way.

S0 some of the Bruin’s needs are met and some of those needs are overachieving. The defense will continue to be great for years to come and the offense grabbed some future playmakers to ensure their on-going success.

Overall Grade: B+

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Shaquelle Evans (1) celebrates with teammates after winning the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco