For the first time in a long time, the UCLA football team has released a depth chart for the start of the 2018 season, something that did not occur during the Jim Mora era.
The differences in the last UCLA football regime and the Chip Kelly era are becoming more and more apparent. Aside from the culture changes the new coach has brought to Westwood, he is also changing the little things, like actually releasing a depth chart before the season.
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For the first time in a while, Bruins fans will now know who will be starting for their beloved UCLA football team as Kelly has released a two-deep depth chart for the season opener. Here is how the offense, defense, and special teams will look heading into the season opener against Cincinnati.
Special Teams
- LS: Johnny Den Bleyker, Koby Walsh
- P: Stefan Flintoft, Andrew Straunch
- K: JJ Molson, Andrew Straunch
*Starters in BOLD
This is a pretty straightforward chart. Den Bleyker, Flintoft and Molson were all starters last year and surprisingly were all nominated for preseason awards. They will continue to keep special teams moving this season and help with field position. Koby Walsh backups up Den Bleyker while Straunch will support the kicking specialists.
What we did not see is a depth chart for punt and kick returners. Last season, Darnay Holmes and Adarius Pickett returned kicks and punts, respectively. From what we have heard from fall camp reports, true freshman Kazmeir Allen is in the running for the starting kick return spot.