Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Football: Projecting the starting lineup for 2018

By Mike Regalado

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 21: The UCLA Bruins head off the field before their game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl on October 21, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 21: The UCLA Bruins head off the field before their game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl on October 21, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next

Special Teams

Special teams, overall, underwhelmed last season. Certain players did very well in their individual efforts, but for the most part, there was a lot left to be desired.

That should change next year with Roy Manning taking over. Last season he coached the same positions at Washington State and did a decent job. So hopefully we see marked improvements in this part of UCLA’s game, but who are the starters at the key positions?

Special Teams Projected Starters

Molson had a tough freshman year, but became more consistent last season. He was 17/21 (81%, 3rd in the Pac-12) and displayed more confidence as they season went on. His consistency was key and should make him one of the better kickers in the conference in 2018.

Speaking of best in the conference, here at Go Joe Bruin, we have not been this excited for a special teams than we are for Flintoft. Starting last season as a walk-on, Flintoft took over the position from Austin Kent and we quickly saw why. Flintoft was quite reliable with his punts averaged 42.9 yards per punt, 5th in the Pac-12) and was able to land several inside the 20 and giving the defense room to breathe.

Speaking of consistent, Flintoft would not have been able to make those punts if it wasn’t for the consistent long snapping of Den Bleyker who should retain his spot in 2018.

As for returns, I expect there to be an open competition, but can also see Holmes and Pickett to once again be the frontrunners. As a team, UCLA was 10th in kickoff returns and 11th in punt returns in the Pac-12, so regardless of who is returning, major improvements have to be made.