The UCLA Football Running Game Is Loaded With Talent

There is a definite number one starting running back. His name is Paul Perkins, if you did not know by now. But what if he was not the clear #1 running back? I propose that if Perkins was not the top rusher in the Pac-12 last season and was not the go-to guy in the Bruins running game that we would currently be in a three-way running back competition.

Yeah, I wrote that.

November 22, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) runs the ball against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

If Paul Perkins was not the #1 guy, we would be in the midst of a starting running back battle with him, Nate Starks and Craig Lee. The reason I say this, is because all three running backs look fabulous in Spring Practice and have the talent and skill to start for the Bruins come fall.

But let me make one thing clear though, Paul Perkins will start next season. How can he not? As stated above, he was the #1 running back in the conference last season with 1,575 total yards. Behind an improved offensive line (that will be even more experienced next season) Perkins was able to grind, pound and blast his way to the top of the Pac-12.

If Paul Perkins was not the #1 guy, we would be in the midst of a starting running back battle.

What is even better? He looks more improved than he did last season, at least in Spring Practice.

But the Bruins also have options to back up Perkins. Very, very good options.

One of those options is UCLA’s second leading returning rusher, Nate Starks. If you did not know, we here at Go Joe Bruins are big on Starks. He made our list of breakout players for 2015, mostly because of his bulldozer-esque rushing style.

Though he only totaled 139 yards last season in 32 attempts, the thing that stands out about Starks is that he puts hits on his defenders. He is a solid body that runs right into his opposition rather than simply getting tackled. Expect a lot more of that next season.

UCLA Bruins

The other running back that will compete for the back of spot is Craig Lee. There were high hopes for Lee as a 4-star recruit out of high school, though it took him a while to assimilate to the Bruin’s system. This Spring Practice, something seems to have clicked as he has essentially come out of nowhere to show that he not only has the skill to be an elite RB, but he also has the determination to get him there. He has great speed, he is illusive and has worked on his lateral movements which is turning him into a very dangerous weapon.

Now put al of this into perspective…

That is three solid running backs that can (and will) put the Bruins on their backs and take them far in their individual careers. Because of that, UCLA will have no problem running the ball in the coming seasons, especially if they can also continue to recruit like they have. Aside from these three, the Bruins have big time recruits Soso Jamabo and Bolu Olorunfunmi heading to Westwood in the fall.

I do not want to go as far as saying that UCLA is the new “Running Back U”, but if they keep this up, the Bruins might steal another prized moniker. Either way, the Bruins are going to be one of the best running teams in the conference and possibly the nation next year. Is it fall yet?