UCLA Football: The QB situation after Devon Modster’s transfer
It was announced on Friday that redshirt sophomore Devon Modster will be transferring from the UCLA football team. So what does the QB situation look like for this year and the next?
With the UCLA football team having a five-man quarterback competition during fall camp, it was almost expected that one of the blue and gold signal callers would transfer if the ball did not bounce their way. Well, it looks like that has come true as Devon Modster is transferring from the program.
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On Friday, Modster took to Twitter to announce that he will be leaving the program. Modster was one of the three “finalists” (if you will) in UCLA’s QB competition toward the end of fall camp.
Unfortunately, Modster was not able to find time on the field this season except for one snap when he had to fill in for freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson who was required to leave the field for one play after his helmet came off against Oklahoma.
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Before the season, Modster was the quarterback with most experience playing with the Bruins. Last season, he backed up Josh Rosen. He participated in five games last season and accumulated 671 yards and 4 touchdowns on 51/79 passes. Though it was believed he would be a favorite to start, he was passed over for DTR and grad transfer Wilton Speight (who was injured in the first game of the season and has not played since).
So with Modster out, UCLA still has a lot to work with, but things are already a little shaky with Speight out. If DTR happens to sustain an injury, the Bruins might have to go with Austin Burton or Matt Lynch, both of whom were not among the final three in the late stage of the QB competition.
This also changes the shape of the quarterback depth heading into next season. With Speight gone, the Bruns will only have three QBs on the roster as well as a commit. The Bruins are also targeting a second QB for 2019.
Here is what the current QB situation looks like after Modster’s transfer:
- Grad: Wilton Speight
- So (R): Matt Lynch
- Fr (R): Austin Burton
- Fr: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
- 2019 Commit: Chase Griffin
- 2019 Target: Jayden Daniels
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With Modster gone, it seems imperative that the Bruins lock up 4-star dual-threat QB Daniels for 2019. Not only does he fit the mold of a Kelly quarterback, but he will be needed to back up DTR in Kelly’s second season.