UCLA Football: Post-Signing Day 2-Deep Depth Chart
The UCLA Football Offense
Quarterback: Josh Rosen, Devin Modster
There is no doubt that Rosen is the starter. The good news is that he has help this season with two potential back-ups. Modster could be the primary candidate for the #2 spot but will have to battle it out in Fall Camp with Matt Lynch.
Running Back: Nate Starks , Soso Jamabo/Bolu Olorunfunmi
It seems that the starting spot is Starks’ to lose. He was the main back-up to Paul Perkins last season though we did see a lot of then-true freshmen Jamabo and Olorunfunmi. Though it seems Jamabo could be the running back of the future, Olorunfunmi should not be counted out as a back-up. Either way, we will be hearing a lot from all three of these players in 2016.
Left Tackle: Conor McDermott, Poasi Moala
Left Guard: Kenny Lacy, Josh Wariboko
Center: Jake Raulerson, Najee Toran
Right Guard: Scott Quessenberry, Tavito Halalilo
Right Tackle: Kolton Miller, Andre James
After losing three starters from last season, the recuperation process for the offensive line was put into hyper drive since the start of 2016. Quessenberry returns from shoulder surgery, Raulerson comes in as a graduate transfer from Texas, Lacy is another starter returning and quite possibly the biggest news is that McDermott is coming back for his senior year, so not to jinx it, but the line feels like it is in a comfortable spot right now.
The Bruins also bring up a few players that got a lot of field time last year. One to look for is 6’9″ Miller who can play both tackle positions if necessary.
UCLA Bruins
Fullback: Nate Iese, Jalen Starks
This is one of two positions UCLA is going to try to incorporate into their new system under Offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu. Nate Iese has great blocking skills but is also a decent receiver. The Bruins also signed a player in Starks a few weeks ago that was brought in specifically for his fullback experience. Not only that, he is a massive human being as well.
Tight End: Nate Iese, Jordan Wilson
Now because Iese is good with his hands, it is possible that we see him play near the line, rather than in the back field. The Bruins also brought in a proper tight end in this most recent recruiting class, so expect this position to get some definition in as we head into fall.
Also, UCLA will be making position changes, according to Head Coach Jim Mora, so it is likely we see a few receivers on a later TE depth chart.
X Receivers: Kenneth Walker, Theo Howard
Z Receivers: Eldridge Massington, Alex Van Dyke
Slot Receivers: Darren Andrews, Stephen Johnson III
It is hard to say what kind formations will be set for the receivers as the UCLA Football offense goes from a spread to a more power-oriented system. Still, taking what we know from last season, we should be hearing a lot from the six names listed above.
Three big surprises from last year were Walker, Andrews and Johnson who could play bigger roles in the passing game next season. The interesting thing to watch here is how they take the ball downfield now that they have a speedster like Howard.
Note – There are twelve positions here to show all of the possibilities with Polamalu’s new offense.
Next: UCLA Football Defensive Depth Chart