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UCLA Football: Bruins release a depth chart for the season opener

By Mike Regalado

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA's new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA's new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 28: Running back Bolu Olorunfunmi
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 28: Running back Bolu Olorunfunmi /

Offense

  • WR: Dymond Lee, Chase Cota
  • TE: Caleb Wilson, Jordan Wilson
  • RT: Jake Burton, Bryan Weitzman
  • RG: Justin Murphy, Sam Marazzo
  • C: Zach Sweeney, Chris Murray
  • LG: Michael Alves, Josh Wariboko-Alali
  • LT: Andre James, Alec Anderson
  • WR: Christian Pabico, Kyle Phillips
  • WR: Theo Howard, Demetric Felton
  • RB: Joshua Kelley/Bolu Olorunfunmi
  • QB: Devon Modster or Wilton Speight or Dorian Thompson-Robinson

The offense has been the most difficult to predict. Kelly has been cycling guys in and out of different positions trying to find the best fit for his style of football. Unfortunately, the Bruins will be without three offensive players who were also suspended for the first game of the season (a few players have picked up additional games in their suspensions). OL Boss Tagaloa, RB Soso Jamabo, and TE Devin Asiasi will miss a few games due to breaking team rules.

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On the line, Kelly has finally found his combination (for now). James, Alves, Sweeney, Murphy, and Burton bring some experience, but it will still be a work in progress as they try to mold themselves into a Kelly-approved O-line. Now here is the interesting thing, four of the five backup OLs are freshmen. This team clearly does not have a lot of experience, but hopefully it does not hamper Kelly’s attempts at running the ball.

The starting receiver and tight end positions were also as predicted. Lee, Pabico, Howard, and Wilson will all be starting for UCLA come Saturday. Behind them, it was a toss-up, but it looks like Felton will make an appearance at the X receiver spot behind Howard and Jordan Wilson will support Caleb. We will also get to see two talented true freshmen as Kelly wants Cota and Phillips in the game.

Now to the backfield. Though the running backs are listed as (1) Kelley and (2) Olorunfunmi, Kelly stated that both players will start, and the offense will utilize several running backs in their rotation.

And as for the QB Battle Royale, it appears as if the competition has been cut down from five players to three. Incumbent Devon Modster, Michigan grad transfer Wilton Speight, and freshman dual-threat Dorian Thompson-Robinson are still in the running with five days left until kickoff.

dark. Next. UCLA Football: 10 bold predictions for the 2018 season

Though Kelly might select a player before then, don’t be surprised if a starter at QB isn’t announced until a few minutes before kickoff. UCLA begins their season on Saturday, September 1 at 4:00 p.m. PT at the Rose Bowl against Cincinnati.