Go Joe Bruin continues our look at potential depth charts for the UCLA Football team in 2017 as we list the running backs who have a lot of talent to choose from.
Last year the UCLA Football team used a three-headed (not so scary) monster at running back. This year, the Bruins hope another year of experience at the position will improve on their 84 rushing yards a game.
RELATED: Projecting the UCLA Football QB Depth Chart
The Bruins may again start with a running back by committee but here’s what the depth chart may look like to start the season.
1. Soso Jamabo, #1
Jr., 6’2”, 215 lbs.
As the top returning rusher, Jamabo comes into the season as the de facto starting running back. He had his moments last year, namely the first two games when he went for 91 and 90 yards, respectively. But after that, he never again reached those numbers. At times it seemed like Jamabo was running in mud as he was looking for a hole to run through.
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On a positive note, as Jamabo got more touches he performed better. In three games where he had more than 10 carries, he ran for 247 yards at 4.3 yards per carry.
But in eight other games where Jamabo carried the ball less than 10 times, his average dropped to just under 3 yards per carry. The man from Texas can’t come in as a “pinch hitter”, getting a carry here and there and be expected to make a significant impact. It’s obvious that Jamabo is a back that needs a good amount of touches to factor into a game.
These inconsistencies in Jamabo’s touches could be due to Mora using too many running backs or a product of something else behind the scenes.
The former five star recruit from Plano West HS will get another chance to show his ability. If he can perform like he did early last season, he may hold on to the top running back spot. If not, there are two or three other rushers ready to take it.
2a. Bolu Olorunfunmi, #4
Jr., 5’10”, 220 lbs.
Another power back, Olorunfunmi is difficult to stop at the line. If you think of him as a bowling ball and the defensive (and offensive) line as the pins, you have a good idea of how Bolu runs. He only rushed more than 10 times in a game twice last year (11 and 10 attempts) so his 3.9 yards per rush could be deceiving. I think if Mora gave him 20-25 touches, his yards per carry would stay near 4.0 due to his style of running.
Bolu may have the speed to outrun linebackers and some DBs (he ran a 4.5 40 yard dash in high school) but with his frame, he will knock over a few linemen. That will make linemen think twice the next time he is running straight at them. His size also makes him a great lead blocker and he has the ability to pass block in the backfield for Rosen.
He has shown flashes of catching the ball out of the backfield last year with 5 catches against Utah. The ability to catch the ball may get him on the field more this year.
Bolu is another back who could step in at the lead back if needed. I think his size, speed, and ability to catch the ball makes him a dangerous weapon on this Bruins’ team.
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.
4. Brandon Stephens, #20
So., 6’1”, 210 lbs.
As a freshman, Stephens only had 19 carries. A majority of them were against UNLV when he had 11 carries for 71 yards. I have him fourth on the depth chart because he showed flashes against UNLV and Oregon State (2 rushes, 18 yards). He’s not a number one running back right now but I would like to see him step in and carry the ball 15 times a game. This would give him a chance to show whether or not he is capable of becoming a larger part of the Bruins’ offense next year.
5. Jalen Starks, #15
So., 6’0”, 250 lbs.
Another big rusher on UCLA’s roster, Starks only played in four games last year. The former three star running back will need to show some marked improvement during practice and limited game time to move up the running back ladder. Loaded with talent, Jalen will benefit from another year in the program. By his junior or senior year, he may be a bigger part of UCLA’s offense.
6. Khalil Muhammad, #28
R-So., 5’7”, 185 lbs.
7. Zachary Byrge, #30
R-So., 5’7”, 210 lbs.
Neither players saw any action last year and probably won’t this year either. Both Muhammad and Byrge will get most of their touches on the scout team.
Here is the full Go Joe Bruin projected running back depth chart:
- Soso Jamabo
- Bolu Olorunfunmi
- Nate Starks
- Brandon Stpehens
- Jalen Starks
- Khalil Muhammad
- Zachary Byrge
Next: What Rosen's return in 2018 would mean
In the next series, we will take a look at the potential wide receivers depth chart.