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Spring Practice – UCLA Offensive Line Looks to Play Big in 2015-16

By Jake Merrifield

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UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

Before Jim Mora came to Westwood the UCLA Offensive line had been a point of weakness for the Bruins since the beginning of the new millennium. The Bruins produced two Outland Trophy winners in the 90’s (Jonathan Ogden and Kris Farris) and its no coincidence that the tremendous UCLA linemen of that time period coincides with the last time the Bruins were contending for national titles. After 3 years at UCLA, Mora and his staff have gradually built the O-line into a point of pride for the Bruins.

2012 and 2013 were rough years marred by injuries to the line, so much so that UCLA rarely started the same 5 players across the line in consecutive weeks. This resulted in some uneven performances and a large sack total for a young running QB, Brett Hundley. However, despite its patchwork nature, Mora’s 1st two O-Lines produced the highest NFL draft pick since Ogden went in the 1st Round in 1996 (Xavier Su’a-Filo with the 33rd pick), and a Center from Plano, Texas named Jake Brendel.

Although 2014 started with a thud as Brendel missed his first start, the Offensive Line again juggled personnel over the first 5 games and the group hit its low point against Utah by giving up 10 sacks (at least 5 of which were on Hundley, but the line still played horribly). The national media piled on after that performance and the Bruins reputation never recovered. However after the Utah game, The UCLA line became the backbone of the team. After the game against Utah, UCLA’s Line was at among the best in the Pac-12 in Sacks Allowed, Sacks per Pass, and Rushing Yards and they paved the way for the Pac-12 leading rusher, Paul Perkins.

This year, UCLA will have Perkins back, but they will be searching for and breaking in a new quarterback. If the Bruins want to enjoy an unprecedented 3rd consecutive 10 win season, the Offensive Line will have to come up huge. Fortunately, this group is primed and ready to have a terrific season.

Probable Starters – The Kids Are All Grown Up

Suddenly in 2015, the Bruins are loaded with experienced upper class-men across the Offensive Line. Malcolm Bunche is the only UCLA lineman to play significant minutes in 2014 that is not returning. The probable starters across the line are:

  • Center:  #54 Jake Brendel – Junior – Started 12 games in 2014 and earned 2nd Team All Pac-12 Honors.
  • Guard:  #52 Scott Quessenberry –  Junior – Started every game ( including 1 game at center for Brendel) and was named Honorable Mention All Pac-12.
  • Guard: #51 Alex Redmond – Junior – Started 8 games and was named Honorable Mention All Pac-12.
  • Tackle: #74 Caleb Benenoch Junior – Started every game and was named Honorable Mention All Pac-12.
  • Tackle: #68 Conor McDermott – Redshirt Junior – Started last 7 games at Left Tackle.

Reserves That Will Compete for the Starting Lineup

With all the injuries at the beginning of 2014, the Bruins gave a lot of different linemen opportunities over the 1st half of the season. The experience gained by the young guys combined with the additions of another experienced transfer and the reappearance of an experienced veteran give UCLA the most flexibility and depth across the line that its had in over a decade. The most likely contributors are:

  • #70 Simon Goines – Senior – Goines spent 2014 on the bench due to injury. If he is ready to go in 2015, he could and should compete for a starting tackle spot and give the Bruins much more flexibility and injury insurance than they have had in the past.
  • Zach Bateman – Junior–  A transfer out of Orange Coast College, Bateman is a 6-7 Tackle that will either take a starting spot or add more quality depth similar to Goines.
  • #76 Kenny Lacy Redshirt Sophomore – Lacy had a good spring in 2014 and started 2 games for the Bruins in 2014. He adds yet more depth at tackle and guard going into 2015.
  • #69 Najee Toran – Sophomore – Toran started against Virginia as a freshman and then played sparingly the rest of the year. He will only get better as he gains age and experience.
  • #71 Poasi Moala – Redshirt Sophomore – Moala also saw some action in 2014 in jumbo packages, and like Toran, he will benefit from another year of seasoning but will be able to step in if needed.

The Rest of the Guys – They Got Recruited for a Reason, Right?

Of course hope springs eternal this time of year, and football programs across America are optimistic about what they got. UCLA Football has a huge question to answer regarding who will become the next starting quarterback. Fortunately for the Bruins, whoever ends up lining up under center will be well protected by strong and experienced Offensive Line.

Go Bruins