Go Joe Bruin continues our look at potential depth charts for the UCLA Football team in 2017 as we now examine the very crucial offensive line.
Go Joe Bruin completes our depth chart projections on the offensive side of the ball for the UCLA Football team as we look at the offensive line.
RELATED: UCLA Football Projected Depth Charts – Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends
The Bruins had a bit of trouble with the line last season as they were forced into an offensive scheme they were not ready for. With new Offensive Coordinator Hank Fraley guiding this group, hopefully some major improvements can be made. One thing is for sure, the Bruins have a bit more depth, which is vital.
Left Tackle Depth Chart
- Kolton Miller, #77, 6’8″, 310 lbs., R-Jr.
- Alex Akingbulu, #74, 6’5″, 280 lbs., R-Fr.
- Jake Burton, #73, 6’5″, 280 lbs., R-Fr.
- Stephen Zabíe, 6’5″, 290 lbs., Fr.
One of the biggest keys to the offensive line improving will be the health and talent of Miller. He made an impact two years ago and was one of the bright spots in 2016. Unfortunately, similar to Josh Rosen, Miller was lost halfway through the season. The offensive line was decent when he was on the field with then-left tackle Conor McDermott on the opposite side, but once Miller went down, so did a lot off the production from the line.
Akingbulu has a year in the system, though that system has now changed. That has not stopped him to grow with the offense. In the spring, Akingbulu made some strides, but will be 2nd string with Miller healthy. Burton also showed signs of development, but needs to continue to work on his technique.
The Bruins recently received some good news as Zabíe was cleared by the NCAA last week and can now begin working with UCLA. He has a high ceiling for development, but most importantly, helps out with depth at tackle.
Left Guard Depth Chart
- Andre James, #75, 6’4″, 305 lbs., R-So.
- Josh Wariboko-Alali, #56, 6’2″, 295 lbs., R-So.
- Zach Bateman, #59, 6’6″, 310 lbs., R-Sr.
- Sean Seawards, 6’3″, 315 lbs., Fr.
James was thrown into the fire when Miller went down with an injury. Though he did a fine job at right tackle, James is more suited to play the guard spot. Though he was out of position (by necessity), he did have the ability to adapt to his assignments. That comes as a plus when he starts at guard and is paired with Miller on the left side. His athleticism and size should help improve the run game that was pretty much non-existent last season.
Wariboko-Alali took on more responsibilities later in the season with two starts at guard. If James was not starting, Wariboko-Alali could most likely take the top right guard spot. Either way, he should see a lot of time on the field in 2017.
Bateman has not exactly panned out since he transferred in two seasons ago. Though he has the size to play the interior, he has not shown he could be effective at guard. Seawards is another player that has the size to play the position, but should redshirt as he gets up to speed in his first year.
Center Depth Chart
- Scott Quessenberry, #52, 6’4″, 315 lbs., R-Sr.
- Najee Toran, #69, 6’2″, 305 lbs., Sr.
- Markus Boyer, #51, 6’1″, 300 lbs., Sr.
Still a concern, the center position is quite possibly the weakest link on the line in terms of depth (which is not good to hear). Quessenberry is the anchor and will bring consistency with Miller and James to his left.
Though Quessenberry came to UCLA as a guard, he had to move to center out of necessity after the transfer of Jake Raulerson fell through before the 2016 season. Though he did a decent job at his new position, he should be much improved in 2017. He will have succeed if he finds a way to keep Rosen healthy and open lanes for the running game.
Toran would most likely be the #2 behind Quessenberry, though he will possibly start at right guard. If something happens to the senior center, Toran will be the Bruins only hope. JC transfer Boyer has not seen the field with the Bruins, but should likely get plenty of practice time at the position with the limited depth.
Right Guard Depth Chart
- Najee Toran, #69, 6’2″, 305 lbs., Sr.
- Poasi Moala, #71, 6’4″, 305 lbs., R-Sr.
- Paco Perez, #65, 6’4″, 305 lbs., R-Fr.
- Zach Sweeney, 6’3″, 260 lbs., Fr.
As stated in the previous slide, Toran should lock up the starting right guard spot, but could take over at center if needed, (fingers crossed he is not). In the mean time, he will bring his experience and try to help bring more continuity to a line that needs to make major improvements if they want to get the Bruins’ offense moving.
Moala could see some time at the guard spot, though it may be limited as he has not exactly developed into the player the Bruins need him to be. Hopefully he can make those improvements before the season starts. The good news is that he is malleable and can play both guard and tackle if needed.
Perez is very gifted, but we have not seen a lot of him as he sustained an injury in fall camp last year. In the spring he looked good and what stood out is his strength, which the Bruins need more of. Sweeney is another talented but raw freshman that will most likely redshirt this season.
Right Tackle Depth Chart
- Sonny Odogwu, 6’8″, 310 lbs., R-Sr.
- Kenny Lacy, #76, 6’4″, 305 lbs., R-Sr.
- Michael Alves, #55, 6’5″, 315 lbs., R-Fr.
- Jax Wacaser, 6’5″, 260 lbs., Fr.
The Bruins are now in a better position with the addition of Odogwu. In early June, the UCLA coaching staff received word that the former Miami Hurricane was transferring as a graduate, making him eligible to play immediately which gives the Bruins some much needed depth at tackle.
On top of that, he has three years of experience under his belt. The Bruins are now a lot more secure at tackle, especially with Lacy and his experience at UCLA. Alves has improved in the past year but needs to stay consistent. Hopefully he can achieve that under new Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley. Wacaser is another raw freshman that has skill, but is likely that he will also redshirt.
Potential Starting Offensive Line
LT Kolton Miller – LG Andre James – C Scott Quessenberry – RG Najee Toran – RT Sunny Odogwu
They have experience, they have a year playing together (albeit in different combinations), they have depth and now have Odogwu. If the Bruins can find some chemistry, they could be a very good crew. But that also depends on the schemes they will run and if the players can adapt to the new styes. Still, any improvement would be better than what we saw last year.
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Stay with Go Joe Bruin as we continue our depth chart projections in the coming weeks. In our next piece, we look at the defensive line.