UCLA Football Fall Camp 2018: 5 things to look for this fall
3. The Running Back Battle Royale
If you think the quarterback battle is going to be intense, just know that the battle for the starting running back spot is going to be equally intriguing. With Kelly trying to implement a run-based offense, he’s going to need players who will be able to move the ball forward efficiently, effectively and quickly.
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Kelly is looking to use his zone reads, zone running schemes, RPOs and triple options to move the ball forward. He wants to try and create mismatches for his players to have an advantage against the defense.
While that is all well and good on paper, the question is “which running back will get that done?” Though unlike the quarterback competition, Kelly has the advantage of using multiple running backs to advance the ground game, so it won’t just be about the starter, but about which backs will be best used for multiple situations.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single returning running back that stood out above the rest in spring. UCLA has Soso Jamabo, Bolu Olorunfunmi, Joshua Kelley and Brandon Stephens returning with game experience, but he also has two incoming freshmen who could make an immediate impact. Kazmeir Allen is a speedster that many have been waiting patiently to see. The Bruins also have dynamic running back Martell Irby who will open some eyes.
Either way, this competition will be as interesting as who the QB battle.