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UCLA Football: Making the Case – Running Backs, Bolu Over Soso?

By Michael Chavez

October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) runs the ball against the Utah Utes during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) runs the ball against the Utah Utes during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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In this new series from Go Joe Bruin, I’ll be making the case for a certain UCLA Football player to receive more playing time, to start over an established starter or just providing you with hot takes to rile up some sensibilities.

Sure we aren’t expecting too much to change in terms of the UCLA Football depth chart before the start of the season but that doesn’t mean I can’t make a few recommendations now right?

Let’s cut right to the chase, I’m not a huge Soso Jamabo fan. I can’t speak for the rest of the GJB team but given that in our post spring two-deep depth chart we, including myself, gave the nod to Bolu Olorunfunmi, I think the jury has spoken.

Bolu is a hard nosed runner who has shown the ability to break arm tackles and stay upright after contact. If we compare both Soso’s and Bolu’s stats from last year, they are surprisingly similar. Both averaged 3.9 yards per carry which is just under my threshold of starter quality.

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If you take away Bolu’s best rushing performance of the year which was against Oregon St., he rushed 63 times for 215 yards and 3 scores on the season with 3.4 ypc. Those are very pedestrian numbers. Now do the same to Soso and the result is even uglier. His season totals drop down to 71 attempts for 231 yards and no scores.

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Those stat lines make me want to vomit but that’s beside the point. Bolu was the more productive back when he was in games. He’s also been the tougher option between the two and is capable of doing multiple tasks in the offense.

Olorunfunmi can run between the tackles and bounce the run outside. He is built low to the ground which would explain his fantastic balance. Now I’d like to see him focus on improving his vision and patience as blocks develop but if the season started tomorrow I’d have him taking the bulk of snaps with Soso first off the bench.

I know what Soso brings to this offense and I actually hope I’m wrong because he’s such a dynamic athlete. He’s a slasher with open field speed and the ability to shake guys out of their socks. Sometimes, however,  that’s not enough.

It hasn’t been enough to this point and despite the occasional big play from him, I’m not satisfied with his stint as the starting back. It also doesn’t help that he doesn’t seem to have the toughness to fight for extra yards and take the constant hits that a RB faces. I’ve seen him pull up with ankle injuries after being tackled and then come back in a play later which signals to me he has yet to figure out when he’s hurt and when he’s injured.

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I do believe that if Soso was moved to receiver he’d find a way to crack the two deep depth chart there and could even start. But that’s for another Making The Case and for another day….