National Signing Day: Analyzing the 2016 UCLA Football Recruiting Class

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Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) breaks a tackle by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Manoa Pikula (22) for a gain in the first quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs/Full Backs

Jalen Starks, FB, Encino, CA (Crespi), 6’1″, 246, 3*

Brandon Stephens, RB, Plano, TX (Plano), 6’0″, 200, 4*

Running back depth has not been a problem for UCLA in recent years. Though they lose their workhorse Paul Perkins to the NFL draft, the Bruins are stacked this coming season with the likes of Nate Starks, Bolu Olorunfunmi, and Soso Jamabo.

On National Signing Day, the Bruins inked 4-star stud Brandon Stephens who not only brings in more depth, but talent to an already stellar RB crew.

UCLA also added a unique position player with Jalen Starks who is coming in as a fullback. The Bruin’s transition to a more power-oriented offense is necessitating the need for fullbacks and tight ends and UCLA is doing a good job of filling those needs. Starks could eventually backup current FB Nate Iese, but as Jim Mora has stated, there will be several players changing positions in the Spring, so Starks’ role as a backup is not set in stone, but it does help solidify that position.

Next: Receivers