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UCLA Football: Projecting the depth chart – Running backs

By David Rosenthal

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins looks on during the second half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins looks on during the second half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 01: Nate Starks
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 01: Nate Starks /

2b. Nate Starks, #23

Sr., 5’11”, 212 lbs.

Starks is a great change up from Jamabo, as he is more of a power back. He actually had more carries than Soso last year but if both are able to have good years, UCLA would have a dangerous 1-2 combo.

When given the chance last year, Starks showed what he is capable of doing. Against Arizona, the former star of both Bishop Gorman HS (NV) and Cherry Creek HS (CO) ran for 80 yards with a touchdown. Then in the final game of the season, Starks went for 73 yards on just 11 carries.

Starks is not going to run away from the defense as his 3.4 yards per carry last show suggests. What he can do is hit the A and B gaps and hit them hard. Starks can be used in short yardage situations, to give another back a rest, or (as mentioned before) show a different look in the backfield.

Last year he wasn’t much of a threat catching the ball out of the backfield with only seven receptions.  

Starks may not currently be number one on Mora’s depth chart but he is more than capable of (again) taking the bulk of UCLA’s rushes. Also, if the Bruins need a yard on third down, I have no problems handing the ball to Starks.