UCLA Football: The best player at every position during the Jim Mora era
Offensive Line
LT: Conor McDermott, 2013-16 | 35 games played, 31 starts
LG: Alex Redmond, 2013-15 | 31 games played, 31 starts
C: Jake Brendel, 2012-15 | 52 games played, 52 starts
RG: Caleb Benenoch, 2013-15 | 36 games played, 35 starts
RT: Kolton Miller, 2015-17 | 30 games played, 26 starts
The offensive line was once a source of power, especially around 2014. Not only did the Bruins have one of the most experienced lines in Pac-12, but that resulted in one of the best rushing offenses in the conference. UCLA averaged 209.5 yards on the ground that year with McDermott, Redmond, Brendel and Benenoch, second only behind Oregon.
Related Story: How Star Wars characters fit into Chip Kelly’s system
The line was anchored by four years starter Brendel who was extremely reliable. It also helped that he was a part of almost every snap Brett Hundley took. That consistency helped the Bruins finish 10-3 during the 2014 season and go on to win the Alamo Bowl against Kansas State.
Redmond and Benenoch were two extremely large individuals that were moved around the line, but their work at the guard spot solidified the best offensive front UCLA had seen in a few seasons. They were not the most athletic, but both were able to use their size and strength to their advantage.
McDermott quickly emerged as a solid choice at left tackle. It was not that long ago when the Bruins had a good O-line. In 2014 and 2015 McDermott helped out a line that allowed Paul Perkins to have consecutive 1,000 yard seasons.