There may be only a few months until Spring Ball and an entire summer until Fall Camp, but it is never too early to look at what UCLA Football has in store for the 2015 season. With National Signing Day come and gone, we know that the Bruin shave a great group of players heading to Wetswood, but the they also have a lot of good players returning, which will make them very dangerous. So let us take a look at a projected 2-deep depth chart, starting with the offense.
Sep 26, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; St. John Bosco quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass against the Bishop Gorman Gaels at Fertitta Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
QB: Josh Rosen, Jerry Neuheisel
–Brett Hundley is gone and there is nothing Bruin fans can do about that. One of the greatest QBs in UCLA history is taking his talents to the next level, which leaves a big question about who will lead the offense next season. There is word that last season’s back-up QB Jerry Neuheisel could take the reins, but do not forget about dual-threat quarterback Asiantii Woulard who has been patiently waiting for his shot.
Aside from these two Bruins that have the most experience in Offensive Coordinator Noel Mazzone‘s system, there is also Josh Rosen who some have already dubbed the heir to Hundley’s throne. Though he was the #1 high school QB in the nation last year, he has very little experience with UCLA’s offense. The upside to that is he is already enrolled at UCLA, which means he will be ready to rock come Spring Ball.
Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) runs after a catch during the second half of the 2015 Alamo Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Alamodome. The Bruins won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
RB: Paul Perkins, Nate Starks
-There is no question who will lead the Bruin’s running game in 2015. Paul Perkins was the top RB in the Pac-12 last season and will be looking to keep it that way in 2015. He has an experienced offensive line in front of him, which will definitely help that cause.
Also look out for Nate Starks as he had an impressive freshman year in 2014. One of the things that stood out about Starks is how he could not only take a hit, but was able to push back defenders on contact. He will not only be a superb back-up to Perkins, but might eventually be the #1 RB the year afar next.
FB: Nate Iese, Taylor Lagace
-Nate Iese was very solid at the FB/F-back position. Though he never ran with the ball, his upside was that he gave the Bruins another threat in the passing game. He would usually take shorter routes and act as a decoy, but when the ball was thrown his way, he always made sure to secure it and get some much needed extra yards.
UCLA Bruins
LT: Conor McDermott, Zach Bateman
LG: Alex Redmond, Kenny Lacy
C: Jake Brendel, Scott Quessenberry
RG: Caleb Benenoch, Najee Toran
RT: Simon Goines, Poasi Moala
-This will be one the best group of offensive linemen the Bruins will have had in a very long time. Not only will they have every starter return, but they also have a solid back-up for each spot. To go even further, the Bruins brought in five linemen on National Signing Day that will potential be back-ups to the back-ups. Needless to say, they are deep.
The O-line will be anchored by senior Jake Brendel who will be snapping the ball to someone other than Brett Hundley. Though it may change the chemistry a bit, it should not slow them down in the least. Brendel will be surrounded by juniors Benenoch, Redmond and McDermott who all did a fine job holding down the line, especially towards the end of the season. The biggest question will be if Goines will be ready next season as he has been plagued with injures.
Sep 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Payton (9) runs for a first down in the second half of the game against the Memphis Tigers at the Rose Bowl. UCLA won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
TE: Thomas Duarte, Chris Clark
WR: Jordan Payton, Devin Fuller
WR: Devin Lucien, Eldridge Massington
Because the Bruins are deep at the receiver spots, there will be an assortment of mixing and matching Mazzone and crew will be able to play with. Mazzone can get very innovative with his formations and play-calling and could very well put up to five receivers on any given down, but for the sake of listing a depth chart, we only have three positions.
Though it may not look like this come fall, be aware that UCLA is returning three senior receivers that have a ton of experience with this offense. Jordan Payton, Devin Lucien and Devn Fuller could all start for the Bruins, though different formations could see the Bruins utilizing the TE position a lot more.
Thomas Duarte has been a very reliable receiver but will get some help with in-coming freshman Chris Clark who is a bit more of a traditional TE in the sense that he has great hands and can block off the line. Who ever lands the starting QB job, the will have a lot of weapons at the receiver spots.