UCLA Football: Why tight end Jordan Wilson is in line for catches

It’s no secret that the UCLA Football receiving group is banged up heading into a pivotal matchup against the Trojans. Still there is plenty of talent among this group and there’s one guy in particular who could potentially have a big game for the Bruins.

I mentioned it earlier this week in the USC edition of “Know Your Opponent” but it’s worth saying again. Just imagine this UCLA Football offense fully healthy facing off against the Trojans. The way that QB Josh Rosen was working with his weapons to begin the year was pretty amazing to see. That receiver group with a healthy Caleb Wilson, Darren Andrews and Auie Omotosho would have been a handful for even some of the best secondaries.

Alas that battle will never taken place and will go down as one of the college football’s greatest “what if?” seasons.

There is still hope for the receiving group against this USC secondary though. Jordan Lasley had 63 yards and two scores against the Trojans last year. However that all came on two catches and Lasley was otherwise shutout. Still with his big game last week there’s a chance he could carry in some big momentum. He will surely attract plenty of attention in coverage.

Theo Howard and Christian Pabico have been nice role players for the Bruins but will now be thrust into much more prominent roles with some of the best defenders they’ve faced all season.

I imagine they’ll both still be able to create separation but the guy I’m expecting to be well set up for success is TE Jordan Wilson and here’s why.

Despite only having 13 catches so far this season, Wilson’s catches have come in bunches over the past four games and he’s been able to find the endzone when the Bruins are in scoring position. He also operates best in the middle of the field in the short to intermediate range which also happens to be in Rosen’s comfort zone.

The Trojans have plenty of solid coverage men in the back end but their LB group is banged up. Yes Cameron Smith is in the conversation for one of the best LB’s in the PAC-12 but he’s doing much of the heavy lifting in the middle of the defense. Where the Bruins can hurt this defense is up the seam of this man coverage heavy unit. That’s prime Wilson territory. Also, as good as Smith is he is still prone to taking false steps towards the line of scrimmage when he suspects pass.

This Trojan defense has had teams move the ball on the ground against them so if the Bruins find they are able to run the football and they incorporate play action Smith will find himself in no mans land.

Next: UCLA Football vs. USC 2017: Go Joe Bruin predicts the game!

Of course the UCLA Football offense will be happy to take underneath throws all day but they will need to take a couple deep shots down the field to ensure the Trojans can’t just compress the Bruin offense. Thankfully there are speedy options on the team and Lasley is a big play threat.

While the hopes of a Bruin victory seem dim there are plenty of plausible reasons why they can at least give themselves a fighting chance.