UCLA Football: Athlon dubs Jamabo, Meadors as the Bruins’ Wild Card

Athlon Sports has come out with a list of every Pac-12 team’s wild card player on offense and defense for 2018 and both Soso Jamabo and Nate Meadors is their selection for the UCLA football program.

Every year, a team has a player that essentially comes out of nowhere to give the program a boost. As Athlon puts it, they are the “difference maker”. Last season, TE Caleb Wilson was the player that made the difference and looks to build off of his success in 2018 as he should be a fixture in new UCLA football coach Chip Kelly’s offense.

This year, Athlon Sports is predicting that RB Soso Jamabo and CB Nate Meadors will take home that honor for the Bruins.

PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 31: Nate Meadors /

Back into 2015, 5-star Jamabo came to UCLA as the #2 running back in the nation. Big things were expected from him, but in his first three years, UCLA’s offense was bumpier than a Texas back road. With three different offensive coordinators trying to put some sort of running game together, it was the players that were affected.

That has led to the lack of production by the Bruins running backs, especially Jamabo. But as author Kyle Kensing puts it, “The arrival of Chip Kelly and implementation of a new offensive scheme could finally unlock Jamabo’s promise.” Kelly knows how to get a run game going and with three years of experience, Jamabo could finally break through and be the back that we have expected him to be.

Also in the last three years, Meadors has been one of the most consistent and explosive players in the Bruins’ secondary and is a big reason why UCLA could have one of the best cornerback tandems in the Pac-12 with sophomore Darnay Holmes.

Meadors not only has the talent, but brings back experience as UCLA transitions from one coaching staff to another. “His decision to return to UCLA for one more season gives the Bruins a much-needed veteran presence and potential rising star in the secondary.”

Next: 10 bold predictions for UCLA Football in the 2018 season

There are definitely some playmakers all over this roster, but the production of Jamabo and Meadors will definitely be key to UCLA’s success as these two will indeed be difference makers.