The Improvin’ Bruins: What UCLA Football Has To Strengthen From Last Season
Nov 15, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins receiver Devin Lucien (15) scores on a 40-yard touchdown reception against the Washington Huskies at Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Washington 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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UCLA’s #1 receiver is gone as Shaquelle Evans is in the NFL, leaving Devin Fuller, Devin Lucien and Jordan Payton as the main receiving targets. The Bruins had a decent air attack in 2013. Although, as a team, UCLA had the best passing percententage in the Pac-12 (67.6%), they were seventh in the conference in yards per game, averaging only 251.5. Now put those two statistics together and you can see that the Bruins did not completely rely on the air game. That should change this year.
UCLA not only has a the previously mentioned players returning that gives the Bruins a ton of experience, but they also have several young guys that have the skills to be effective int he passing game, but with that brings a lot of depth he Bruins were without last year. One of the name that was heard over and over before spring practice was that of athletic freshman WR Eldridge Massington. There is also fullback Nate Iese who has good hands and should be called upon to catch more than block. Mossi Johnson was another player Hundley commented on in spring as being one of his “favorite receivers”. And do not forget Kenneth Walker, who is apparently the fastest Bruin on the field
And to top it off, true sophomore tight end Thomas Duarte, who was named to the Mackey Award watch list for best TE, should be a big body that gets the ball in the middle of traffic more often than not. Speaking of big guys, UCLA has three in-coming freshmen that are 6’2″ or taller. Alex Van Dyke, Jordan Lasley and Austin Roberts (who recently torn his ACL and is out for the season), provide depth and talent for the future.