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UCLA Football: Projecting the Depth Charts – Running Backs and Full Backs

By Mike Regalado

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Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Soso Jamabo (1) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Soso Jamabo (1) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

1. Soso Jamabo, 6’3″, 210 lbs., So.

As much as there will be a good rotation of the running backs, Jamabo should be the most productive. He has learned to use his body more effectively in hitting the gaps and will blow us away with his speed. Even though the Bruins will have three solid options, Jamabo will get the majority of the carries and top 1,000 yards.

2. Nate Starks, 5’11”, 210 lbs., Jr.

Still a bruiser, still exciting. Starks was the heir apparent to Paul Perkins, and still can be. Though things might be a little tighter at the top, Starks will get a lot of playing time no matter what happens. Aside from having less yards than Jamabo from last season, among the returning running backs Starks had the most yards per carry (6.4) and most touchdowns (5). Aside from continuing to be a ground threat, he is also a wrecking ball. Starks has not only been known to crash into defenders, but also knock them on their end and get a few extra yards after contact.

3. Bolu Olorunfunmi, 5’11”, 210 lbs., So.

Olorunfunmi seems to be a hybrid of both Jamabo and Starks. He has speed as well as the ability to run defenders over. Last season he was the #4 running back in the rotation, but with mid-season injuries to Perkins and Starks, both him and fellow true freshman Jamabo got a lot of experience.

That experience seems to have paid off as Olorunfunmi looked even quicker and tougher in spring. He was particularly impressive when he would hit the edges. Though he is #3 on this list, I expect him to get similar amounts of playing time with Starks and Jamabo.

4. Brandon Stephens, 6’0″, 200 lbs., Fr.

Stephens may not have breakout speed but he has moves that will keep upright and heading in the direction of the end zone. Stephens is an incredible talent and could a very effective weapon for the Bruins, it is just a matter of when. With the three-headed monster at RB, the depth chart is a bit clogged, but with Mora’s willingness to play freshmen, I expect him to be up to speed with all the ins and outs of the run game and possibly see some time on the field this year.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

Other RBs on the UCLA Football Roster: Kahlil Muhammad, Zachary Byrge