Projecting The Depth Chart: Quarterbacks
Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
With Spring Practice over, the only thing left for UCLA football is the actual season. Analyzing how the Bruins did in Spring will help formulate what the Bruins will do in the Fall. There is a lot of time before game 1, but also enough information to make some early projections on the depth chart for the 2014-15 Bruin Quarterbacks.
1. Brett Hundley, 6’3″, 227 lbs., redshirt Junior
The number one spot goes to Brett Hundley, there’s no doubt about that. He is leading UCLA into one of the biggest seasons in years. His return to school after last season was huge and because of that, words like “Championship” and “Heisman” are being used in conversations about UCLA and Hundley. Now think about this, if he achieves what he is predicted to do, “legend” will be another word associated with him.
Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Jerry Neuheisel (11) is pressured by Nevada Wolf Pack defensive end Lenny Jones (94) at the Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Nevada 58-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jerry Neuheisel, 6’1″, 195 lbs., redshirt Sophomore
One of the biggest position battles of spring practice was the back-up QB spot. It was neck and neck at the beginning of Spring Practice, but Neuheisel looked to have an edge towards the end, especially during the Spring Showcase.
Aside from Hundley, Neuheisel has the most experience on the gridiron among all UCLA QBs. He played in 5 games last year and accumulated 124 yeards on 11-for-13 passing. During the Spring Showcase, he looked a lot more confident in his execution and down-right brilliant in some of his plays. If he continues with his consistency and level of play, look for him to get the back-up role in August.
Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins players Eric Kendricks (6), Brett Hundley (17) and Asiantii Woulard (2) hold hands during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at the Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Nevada 58-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3. Asiantii Woulard, 6’3″, 208 lbs., redshirt Freshman
Woulard came to UCLA as the heir-apparent to Hundley. He was the #1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation when he chose the Bruins back in the 2013. He seemed to be a clone of Hundley’s in height, skill and talent. The big up-side to his commitment was that he would keep consistency with the offense when Hundley leaves. Unfortunately, Woulard “stalled” in spring practice, according to Head Coach Jim Mora, and did not ‘wow’ as expected. It is a long summer, so expect Woulard to improve his game and have a proper battle for the #2 spot in the fall.
4. Aaron Sharp, 6’3″, 190 lbs., Freshman (in the Fall)
Sharp is another dual-threat quarterback that committed to UCLA this past signing day. Having a third QB that can pass and run fills the Bruin’s needs after Hundley and Woulard are both gone. He will be a true freshman in the fall, but will likely redshirt with all the talent ahead of him.
5. Mike Fafaul, 6’2″, 205 lbs., redshirt Sophomore
Fafaul played in three games last season, throwing for 42 yards on 4-for-4 passing. One of those appearances was in the Sun Bowl against Virginia Tech. The depth chart is a lot more crowded than last season, so Fafaul only looks to play if he is REALLY needed.
6. Jake Hall, 6’4″, 195 lbs., redshirt Sophomore
Hall has not played a down for the Bruins and may not look to with five QBs ahead of him. On the up side, if the Bruins need height, he has plenty of that as the Bruin’s tallest QB standing at 6’4”.
NEXT EPISODE: Running Backs/Full Backs
Mike W.R.
Twitter: @TheBigDisco