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UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Special Teams

By Andrew Goodman

Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins holder Mike Fafaul (12) pats place kicker JJ Molson (17) on the head after a 20-yard field goal during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins holder Mike Fafaul (12) pats place kicker JJ Molson (17) on the head after a 20-yard field goal during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The special teams of UCLA Football had an off year in 2016, so where do they currently stand heading into 2017?

UCLA Football‘s special teams unit was very underwhelming this season, to say the least.

There was a huge lack of consistency from them, and it cost the Bruins several times throughout the season.

The Bruins had very little success punting the football as they usually alternated between: freshman Austin Kent, and senior Adam Searl. UCLA averaged 35.1 yards per punt.

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They were not horrendous, but they definitely did not display the traits we have witnessed from the Bruins in recent years and it was apparent that UCLA’s special teams went in the wrong direction this past season.

Even field goal kicking was a rollercoaster experience for the Bruins. Freshman kicker, JJ Molson did have his fair share of struggles this season. He only hit 12 of his 20 field goal attempts (60%). He was often swapped for Andrew Strauch later in the season.

When it came to returning punts, most Bruin fans had to hold their breaths. Senior wide receiver Ishmael Adams, and senior defensive back Randall Goforth all had consistent problems securing the football.

On returns, the Bruins only averaged 6.5 yards from punts and 21.1 from kickoffs. Even worse is that the Bruins only had one touchdown on a punt return thanks to Jordan Lasley.

Special teams is a huge X-factor, and one that UCLA is usually on top of, so hopefully things change in a big way in 2017.

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Key Losses

Ishmael Adams – graduation

Adam Searl – graduation

2017 Commitments

No commitments as of yet, but UCLA does get a lot of returning players on special teams.

2017 Potential Starters

K: JJ Molson

P: Austin Kent

KR/PR: Jordan Lasley, Adarius Pickett

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With the Bruins having young kickers, there is hope that they can grow into their roles. As for returners, hopefully Special Teams Coach Scott White will be able to make the proper adjustments for the Bruins to be more effective in 2017.