NFL Combine: Previewing The UCLA Football Players

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Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Jake Brendel (54) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense (Part 1)

Caleb Benenoch, OL

Vital Stats: 6’5″, 305 lbs., Junior in 2015

Overview: Started every game in the last two years and nine in his true freshman season. Benenoch has experience as a guard and a tackle and is very malleable to the needs of the offense of line. He is a large individual who is very strong and will only get better with pro development.

He has a bit of fire in him which fuels his emotions, which sometimes gets to him, but for the most part he plays in control. With some proper professional development, Benenoch could be a very good NFL offensive lineman in a few seasons.

Jake Brendel, C (pictured above)

Vital Stats: 6’4″, 305 lbs., Senior in 2015

Overview: The rock for the UCLA offensive line over the last four years had started in every game he played, missing only one due to injury in 2014. He was instrumental in keeping the line together as the UCLA offense transitioned from Brett Hundley to Josh Rosen in 2016.

Brendel is a very cerebral football player that has been very driven as a captain for UCLA. The four-year Bruin is a natural leader and was well respected amongst the UCLA football team. Similar to Benenoch, Brendel will only get better as he enters the next phase of his career and could eventually be a starter a few years down the road.

Thomas Duarte, TE/Y-receiver

Vital Stats: 6’3″, 225 lbs., Junior in 2015

2015 Season Stats: 53 rec, 872 yards, 16.5 avg, 10 TDs, 67.1 ypg

Overview: As the biggest target for Rosen last season, Duarte did great things for the Bruins. Duarte has improved his game over his three years in blue and gold and despite having the offense stutter late in the season, especially the passing game, he conto her to be a reliable receiver.

Duarte’s size and athleticism creates mismatches with his defensive opponents and though he may need to improve his blocking if he plans to remain a tight end, he has good reach and great hands which will benefit a team looking for more agile TEs.

Next: The Offensive Players - Part 2