UCLA Football Spring Practice Preview – Offensive Line
Here is the final part to our UCLA Football Spring Practice preview for the offense as we examine the metamorphosing offensive line.
One thing that needs to be reminded is that the UCLA Football team will convert from a spread to a power-offense under new Offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu. That means big changes to the offensive line which is in an intriguing state of flux to begin with.
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UCLA loses three experienced players as Jake Brendel (graduation), Caleb Benenoch (declared for NFL Draft) and Alex Redmond (declared for NFL Draft) have all movied on, leaving several spots to fill on the Bruin’s front line.
On top of that, UCLA needs to adjust to a new system. With a power offense, the Bruins are going to need power players.
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Now aside from schemes, which we are yet to see, the development of younger players is going to be a factor in determining who will play based on their adaptation to the system. On top of that, the Bruins have some big bodies coming in the fall.
Offensive Line Coach Adrain Klemm has targeted specific players to accommodate the new offensive set and on National Signing Day, UCLA was able to pen three very large offensive linemen. Alex Anigbogu (6’5 1/2″, 250 lbs.), Mike Alves (6’5″, 318 lbs.) and Francisco Perez (6’3″, 300 lbs.) will add some depth to the line, but we will not be able to see them in action until fall.
The Bruins will also benefit from a key transfer as Jake Raulerson is heading from Texas to UCLA for his final two years of eligibility, but unfortunately, he will not be here for spring, so for now, here is our projected depth chart for the offensive line.
Projected Depth Chart
Left Tackle: Conor McDermott (6’9″, 310 lbs.), Zach Bateman (6’6″, 295 lbs.)
Left Guard: Kenny Lacy (6’4″, 285 lbs.), Josh Wariboko-Alali (6’2″, 305 lbs.)
Center: Scott Quessenberry (6’4″, 280 lbs.), Najee Toran (6’1″, 285 lbs.)
Right Guard: Poasi Moala , (6’4″, 290 lbs), Tavito Halalilo (6’4″, 335 lbs.)
Right Tackle: Kolton Miller (6’9″, 295 lbs.), Andre James (6’4″, 290 lbs.)
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The biggest news coming out of last season was the return of Conor McDermott. As one of the more consistent linemen on the team in 2015, many wondered if he would leave for the NFL Draft.
UCLA Bruins
Imagine him, Brendel, Benenoch and Redmond all leaving? That would have been devastating.
Luckily, he has opted to exercise his final year of eligibility, which will not only give UCLA experience, but that upperclassman leadership will be needed with the exit of Brendel.
The Bruins also get another key player returning as Scott Quessenberry will be back in full force after missing 2015 to shoulder surgery. Though he might start the season at guard, in spring he could play center, which he has experience at.
At guard, Kenny Lacy will reclaim his starting role with Poasi Moala on the other side. Moala is a player that has slowly developed but could finally have a breakout season. Both have experience on the line which means they will be needed to step in and take over sooner than later.
Kolton Miller saw a lot of time on the field last season and has developed nicely at the tackle position. He has the height, but the main concern is his weight. If he bulks up, he could form a lethal bookend with McDermott on the other side.
The next tackle up could be Andre James who developed nicely last season. One player that could be a factor is JC transfer Zach Bateman who was not completely up to speed with the O-line in his first season with UCLA. With a year under his belt he should be more comfortable with Klemm’s system and vie for a back-up role.
Next: UCLA Football 2-Deep Depth Chart
Josh Wariboko and Teviato Halalilo have made good progress and should get more looks this spring. Najee Toran had come to UCLA as a center but then switched to the defensive line. If the Bruin coaches see the need, Toran could be a center back-up, mostly due to depth.