UCLA Football: Projecting the Depth Charts – Receivers and Tight Ends

Go Joe Bruin continues to examine the different units and project the depth charts for the UCLA Football team as this week we move to the passing game with the receivers and tight ends.

The UCLA Football team has lost four of their top five receivers from a year ago. Jordan Payton, Thomas Duarte, Paul Perkins and Devin Fuller have all moved on and so the passing game must find new talent to replace them.

Related Story: Projecting the UCLA Football Depth Charts - Quarterbacks

But here is the thing, despite a lot of young talent, this is a very skilled and very deep group of receivers. It is quite possibly the best collection Jim Mora has had since he got to Westwood. Not only could a few receivers replace the aforementioned from last season, but they will have a lot of options to try and do so. Additionally, the Bruins will do with the use of tight ends to add another dimension to the passing game.

Now keep in mind, these projections are opinion. Not only do we not have any inside information from the coaching staff, but by the time the season rolls around, these depth charts could look nothing like what we put out today. If they do, then we look like geniuses.

These projected depth charts are based on what we saw last season, what we saw in spring practice and educated guesses based on what certain recruits were targeted for.

Let us begin…

Next: X Receivers

X Receiver

Kenneth Walker, 5’10”, 180 lbs., R-Sr.

Theo Howard, 6’0″, 175 lbs., Fr.

Jorden Lasley, 6’1″, 200 lbs., R-So.

Damian Alloway, 5’10”, 175 lbs., Fr.

Christian Pabico, 6’0″, 195 lbs., R-So.

This is going to be a really interesting group of receivers. One thing UCLA has not had in the Mora era are speedy receivers and this season they have a lot. The top guy in this group has to be one of the more surprising stories after last season. Walker has always been known to have speed, but he had hands of stones.

Related Story: Projecting the UCLA Football Dpeth Charts

Last season and more specifically during spring practice, he was catching balls with best of them. If he can keep improving on his pass catching, then he should consistently start and be targeted for the long ball.

Behind him is a Howard, a player the Bruins recruited that they knew had both great speed and excellent hands. Not only that, but he already knows the system as he enrolled early in spring. Lasley also looked impressive in spring, though he will be a more physical receiver.

Alloway is another speedster, but might need time to get acclimated with the offense. Though don’t be surprised if you see him returning kicks this fall. Pabico will most likely see time on the reserve team.

Next: Z Receivers

Z Receiver

Eldridge Massington, 6’2″, 210 lbs., R-Jr.

Mossi Johnson, 6’0″, 190 lbs., Jr.

Alex Van Dyke, 6’4″, 210 lbs., Jr.

Audie Omotosho, 6’2″, 190 lbs., Fr.

Brad Sochowski, 5’10”, 185 lbs., R-So.

This is going to be an interesting position as these receivers add some size to the group. Massington was a favorite target of Brett Hundley, but that changed when Josh Rosen came to town as the two have not really clicked. Still, him and Johnson should improve from last season and be the go-to guys when they are on the field.

Van Dyke is a player that the coaches have been waiting to blossom and this could be the year. Not only does his height create match up nightmares for defenders but he is also improving his all facets of his receiving game.

Otomosho will be an interesting development. He is fast, elusive and has great hands, but will he be acclimated enough to participate right away? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean the coaches will not have a look at him.

If its one thing new Offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu wants to strengthen, it is the passing game and he will look at anybody that will help put the team in a position to win. Sochowski should see time with the reserve team.

Next: Slot Receivers

Slot Receiver

Darren Andrews, 5’10”, 185 lbs., R-Jr.

Ishmael Adams, 5’8″, 180 lbs., R-Sr.

Stephen Johnson III, 5’11”, 195 lbs., So.

Cordell Broadus, 6’3″, 190 lbs., R-Fr.

Demetric Felton, 5’9″, 180 lbs., Fr.

Now this cast of characters should add some action to the receiving game. Andrews had a coming out party in 2015 and looks to keep it going in 2016. Andrews quickly became one of the more reliable pass catchers last season as he is the only player on the team that was one of the top five receivers in 2015. Not only will he continue to progress, but could be the answer to losing Jordan Payton if they wanted a reliable receiver.

Adams is the wild card in all of this. Though he was impressive in spring, we do not yet know how he will do in a live game. Additionally, he could be better suited for other receiving positions, but for now, it seems he can be a very good back-up to Andrews (though we do not doubt that he could possibly start one day). Here is the thing about Adams, if he catches on quickly and has continues to show good hands, then he could be one of the more deadlier weapons in the passing game.

Johnson was another young receiver that got valuable playing time last year and he did not squander it. He showed he had good hands and a bit of speed and always made the most of his time with the ball..

Broadus is another interesting story. The Son of Snoop signed with UCLA in 2015. Quit the team for film school. Started working out with Strength and Conditioning Coach Sal Alosi. And now he is back on the team as a walk-on. He looked good in spring, but should be progressing enough maybe get some playing time this season.

Felton was injured during spring and it is yet unknown if he will be ready for fall.

Next: Tight Ends

Tight End

Nate Iese, 6’3″, 250 lbs., R-Sr.

Austin Roberts, 6’2″, 215 lbs., R-So.

Caleb Wilson, 6’5″, 240 lbs., R-Fr.

Jordan Wilson, 6’5″, 245 lbs., Fr.

Giovanni Gentosi, 6’2″, 235 lbs., R-So.

Jake Jones, 6’4″, 240 lbs., R-Sr.

Alex Rassool, 6’3″, 235 lbs., R-So.

Hallelujah! We have tight ends! With the move to a more power, Polamalu wants to tighten up the end of the line with some extra bodies. The thing to watch for with this group is how they are used and in what situation.

Iese is by far the player most impressive at the TE spot. He has good size, he is a solid blocker and has soft hands. Roberts’ move over to the TE spot was good and should be more of a receiving tight end than a blocking one.

The addition of both Wilsons is also the addition of true tight ends. Caleb transferred from USC where he was used sparingly at the position and Jordan was the only true TE that signed with UCLA this past signing day. Both will make help make the TE battle a real competition.

Gentosi, Jones and Rassool should see time with the reserve team.

Next: A Look At All Four Positions

A Look At All Four Positions

UCLA Bruins

X Receiver

1. Kenneth Walker
2. Theo Howard
3. Jorden Lasley
4. Cordell Broadus
5. Damian Alloway
6. Christian Pabico

Z Receiver

1. Eldridge Massington
2. Mossi Johnson
3. Alex Van Dyke
4. Audie Omotosho
5. Brad Sochowski

Slot Receiver

1. Darren Andrews
2. Ishmael Adams
3. Stephen Johnson III
4. Demetric Felton

Tight End

1. Nate Iese
2. Austin Roberts
3. Caleb Wilson
4. Jordan Wilson
5. Giovanni Gentosi
6. Jake Jones
7. Alex Rassool

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Go Bruins!