UCLA Football: It is time for WR Theo Howard to take off

With his third year approaching, wide receiver Theo Howard could have a break out season and really help UCLA football’s offense take off.

Back in November of 2015, Westlake standout wide receiver Theo Howard made UCLA football fans very happy as he gave his pledge to the Bruins after decommitting from Oregon that summer.

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Howard was arguably one of the best receivers to commit to UCLA in a long time. Not only did he have the hands, but his speed is what made jaws drop. With Josh Rosen having an exciting freshman year, fans were drooling at the image of Rosen connecting on long passes to Howard in 2016.

The only problem is, that air attack failed to take off. Before the 2016 season, former head coach Jim Mora promoted RB coach Kennedy Polamalu to offensive coordinator, completely changing the scheme from Noel Mazzone’s spread offense to a power-based offense. It did not go well.

With the offensive line ill-prepared to face the rigors of power football, it produced inconsistent offensive play which failed to get the run and passing game going., which added to the many problems piling up.

Even before Rosen sufferered a season-ending shoulder injury six games in, balls were being dropped by the majority of receivers. With the hands Howard possessed, it was inconceivable that he only played in seven games and was not put in to help the offense move. Yes, he was a true freshman and needed to develop parts of his game such as blocking, but he had the talent to make plays.

Last season, during Howard’s sophomore outing, we saw a bit more of the player we were hoping to.

With Jedd Fisch taking over the offense, the Bruins’ passing game was the 4th best in the nation. Rosen was back and with schemes that fit the personnel, the offense took off. Darren Andrews was the most reliable receiver, Caleb Wilson came out of nowhere as an elite tight end and Jordan Lasley had amazing head-turning athelticism, so Howard had to wait his turn, but he was not left in the dark. He contribute 594 yards (3rd on the team) and four touchdowns and had some very impressive plays to write home about.

But now things have changed. With Wilson still recovering from his foot injury and the other two receivers moving on, it is Howard’s turn to be the highlight reel he was meant to be.

The unfortunate thing about Howard’s time in Westwood is that he has had to work with three different offensive coordinators in that time. Luckily, he has a constant as WR coach Jimmie Dougherty will be with the Bruins in 2018, bridging the gap from Mora to Kelly and trying to keep the passing game in top form. The only difference is that last season’s pass heavy offense moves to a run-based spread under Kelly. This might not be a bad thing and could help the junior-to-be’s game in 2018.

Howard is fast, fast, fast… something that Kelly will definitely utilize

Clearly, Kelly wants to move the ball on the ground, that will happen a number of different ways. In the spring game, we saw a lot of passing options. Whether it is the run-pass option (RPO) or sending five receivers out, the pass will be essential to help move the sticks. The thing is, the passing game will come in short bursts and Howard is a down field kind of guy, but that could be perfect for him.

First off, Howard’s ability will have him stretch the field and take defenders with him. Whether he opens up space for other receivers/ball carriers or creates space for himself, he is going to help make this a very explosive offense.

Secondly, Howard will continue to be a dangerous downfield threat, which we might not see a lot of, but we will see. What Bruins fans have to focus on is the short-game which could really help Howard stand out. With the his vision, ability to elude defenders and his overall speed, Howard will create a lot of mismatches for opponents.

Third, Howard is fast, fast, fast… something that Kelly will definitely utilize and is key to his offense.

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There is no doubt Caleb Wilson will be the go-to receiver in 2018, but I think by season’s end, Howard could be that guy. He has the skill, now he has the coaching.