UCLA Football: Which TE will take the lead in 2017?

A few seasons ago the UCLA Football didn’t even have a true TE position on the roster. Flash forward to 2017 and the Bruins now have a bevy of talented guys at the position. Which one will become “the guy” for this offense this season?

Look at the UCLA Football roster and you’ll see talent across the board. The defense has guys, the offense has some major players. Let’s focus on one major offensive position and my personal favorite to scout, the tight end position.

Small disclaimer, we won’t talk about anyone who won’t be eligible this season (hint, hint). Also, we did release a TE depth chart earlier this off-season and while we stand by that here at GJB, this piece is my opinion about who I think will emerge as the go to guy not necessarily about who will be the starter.

Tight ends coach Rip Scherer has quickly come aboard the offensive staff a few years ago and taken guys who were converts from other positions and a partially bare cupboard to now boasting one of the strongest positional groups on the team.

Austin Roberts was an early conversion to the TE position and as a former WR he quickly displayed the strong receiving qualities that coaches want in their TEs. Roberts caught 15 balls for 261 yards, a 17 yard average, for one score in 2016. He did however struggle as a blocker. It wasn’t for lack of effort but Roberts functions much better as a TE out of the slot much like former Colts TE Dallas Clark.

Jimmy Jaggers is a true freshman but has done well to impress coaches in fall camp. He runs his best routes underneath and despite lacking blazing speed, can gain separation through his physicality. He may see some time, especially in goal line or jumbo packages but I expect to see him more as the season wears on between the 20’s.

Jordan Wilson was a guy who last season red-shirted and is now primed to start seeing some snaps on the field. He’s still a bit raw in my opinion but displays the desirable traits you look for in your TEs. He already has an impressive build for his age and will only get stronger and more refined with more snaps. Caleb Wilson might be the guy for right now but in a season or two I fully expect Jordan to become the mismatch that every team wishes they had.

That’s because he’s exactly what you want in today’s game. He’s faster than you think, can make circus catches and is an ever improving blocker.

We now turn to the guy that I believe that is poised and more than talented enough to take ownership of the position. Caleb Wilson came on strong on the end of the season and has developed rapidly at the position. A solid blocker who is also a great athlete, Caleb is without a doubt, the guy at the position. Caleb gives this UCLA Football team the ability to play through multiple formations without having to substitute players.

While not a dominating blocker, Caleb always gives effort and is the new Joseph Fauria as far as a receiving threat.

His ability to redshirt after coming over from across town gave him a leg up on some of the other TEs on the roster as he allowed himself to get bigger and stronger in the weight room so while his emergence is exciting, it is also a great demonstration of what this players can become physically under Sal Alosi.

Next: UCLA Basketball: Reaction to Marvin Bagley's commitment

This UCLA Football team has long been called LBU but given the talent, the depth and the coaching at the position it might not be too early to call the Bruins TEU.