In our second edition of ‘Projecting the Depth Charts’ with UCLA Football, we look at the running backs and fullbacks in the Bruin’s ground game.
Let us face it, the UCLA Football team has an awesome three-headed monster at the running back position.
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The best part of it, a lot of the pressure of the ground game will be taken off the running back’s shoulders because new Offensove Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu has implemented the use of fullbacks to help add some power to the short-yardage game.
The only question is, “how effectively will it work with the Bruin’s new power schemes?” Our early assessment (especially after a sneak peak in spring practice), it will be a very eventful year on the ground with UCLA as we get to see the next chapter of the Bruin’s offense.
Let us take a look at the possible depth charts, starting with the fullbacks.
Fullbacks
1. Ainuu Taua, 5’11”, 295 lbs., R-So.
Taua gave us an interesting look into the newly adapted fullback position. He was impressive during spring practice in his first stint as a full back as he not only showed that he was good in the passing game, but also showed he could be a bulldozer in the running game.
2. Jalen Starks, 6’1″, 246 lbs., Fr.
One of the more interesting commits to the UCLA Football team was that of true fullback Starks. This kid has good hands, broad shoulders and a bull in a china shop mentality. He should surprise many in the fall and could see some playing time seeing as how Head Coach Jim Mora is not afraid to play true freshmen.
3. Cameron Griffin, 6’3″, 235 lbs., R-So.
Griffin could be an interesting addition to the fullbacks with some development. He had a few good plays in spring, but also looks to have a lot of potential. Though he did not raise as many eyebrows as Taua, he could still be a formidable position player in the new system.
Next: Running Backs Depth Chart
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