UCLA Football: Projecting the Depth Chart – Offensive Line
We finish up our look at the offense as we project the depth chart for the UCLA Football offensive line.
The UCLA Football offensive line is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. Seriously.
Related Story: UCLA Football: We Need To Talk About The O-Line...
It could be the best of times and it could be the worst of times, but without a doubt, the O-line is a tale of two units. A year ago, the O-line was one of the most experienced in the country as it finally had some stability and upperclassmen.
For the most part they did a good job holding the line for true freshman Josh Rosen and the workhorse Paul Perkins. Rosen broke records and Perkins was third in the Pac-12 in rushing. Not to mention reducing sacks allowed from 41 in 2014 to only 15 last season.
The bad news for this year is that three players have gone to the NFL (it had that much talent). Jake Brendel, Caleb Benenoch and Alex Redmond leave big holes to fill, but the Bruins have a hand full of players with experience.
Conor McDermott is returning for his senior year, Kenny Lacy returns as a starter, Scott Quessenberry returns from shoulder surgery and Kolton Miller returns with a lot of potential.
Related Story: Projecting the UCLA Football Depth Charts - Quarterbacks
Related Story: Projecting the UCLA Football Depth Charts - Running Backs
Related Story: Projecting the UCLA Football Depth Charts - Receivers and Tight Ends
UCLA Bruins
Left Tackle
Conor McDermott, 6’9″, 310 lbs., R-Sr.
Andre James, 6’4″, 290 lbs., R- Fr.
Alex Akingbulu, 6’6″, 255 lbs., Fr.
Left Guard
Kenny Lacy, 6’4″, 285 lbs., R-Jr.
Josh Wariboko-Alali, 6’2″, 305 lbs., R-Fr.
Francisco Perez, 6’3″, 300 lbs., Fr.
Gyo Shokima, 6’3″, 310 lbs., R-Jr.
Center
Scott Quessenberry, 6’4″, 295 lbs., R-Jr.
Najee Toran, 6’1″, 285 lbs., 285 lbs., Jr.
Christian Garcia, 6’3″, 315 lbs., R-Sr.
Right Guard
Poasi Moala, 6’4″, 290 lbs., R-Jr.
Mike Alves, 6’5″, 318 lbs., Fr.
Tevita Halalilo, 6’4″, 335 lbs., R-Fr.
Jake Tourville, 6’1″, 290 lbs., R-So.
Right Tackle
Kolton Miller, 6’9″, 295 lbs., R-So.
Zach Bateman, 6’6″, 295 lbs., R-Jr.
If UCLA can get some consistency with their starters, then it is possible they can emulate what they did from last year. The biggest piece is McDermott who will bring consistency and leadership to the line. He was arguably one of the best linemen on the team last year, so having him back to guard Rosen’s weak side will be a huge boost for the offense.
Without would-be transfer Jake Raulerson, Quessenberry moves over to center. He had trouble adjusting to the position at the start of spring practice, but managed to pull it together towards the end. At center the Bruins have him, Toran and Garcia, so there is not a lot of experience, which is a little concerning.
Moala has the most experience to play right guard, though the talent coming in behind him could surpass him. Miller will be a solid, permanent addition at right tackle. He showed a lot of progress last season and will be a key contributor.
Though the chart is not set, we also expect several players to move around and play different spots. For example, Miller could be the primary back-up to McDermott at LT if needed. If Moala does not work out, then Quessenberry or Toran could move over to guard. Then there is the issue of having the coaches move around some of the younger players.
As far as backups, UCLA has done a decent job in recruiting in recent years and have some skilled up-and-comers. James, Wariboko-Alali and Bateman all have a year under their belt and will most likely see some time on the field, but that depends on how they do in fall camp.
The Bruins are also trying to physically fill in the needs of the power offense with three freshman that have a lot of talent and are big. Akingbulu, Perez and Alves could also get a look at the field this season depending on their development and acclimation to the team during the fall.
Tourville, Shokima and Garcia could see time with the reserve team. Halalilo, another young talent, re-injured his ankle in the spring and it is unknown how long he will be out.