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UCLA Football: Spring practice preview – offense, defense, and special teams

By Mike Regalado

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 26: Chip Kelly the head coach of UCLA Bruins stands on the sideline while playing the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl on October 26, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 26: Chip Kelly the head coach of UCLA Bruins stands on the sideline while playing the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl on October 26, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

Receivers/Tight Ends

Projected Spring Depth Chart

The biggest loss is that of Caleb Wilson who has forgone his final season of eligibility to put his name in the NFL draft. Not only was he the best tight end on the team, but he was also the best overall receiver. But this year, the best receiver has the name of Theo Howard. With the Bruins looking to go more up-tempo and increase the speed, Howard is the perfect fit player to take over as the top pass catcher.

As for the tight ends, the Bruins will have to look for a new go-to guy but make no mistake Chip Kelly is going to utilize as many TEs as possible, and that includes walk-ons. As far as the passing game is concerned Devon Asiasi and Jordan Wilson will compete for that top spot. But we will see plenty of tight ends this spring, especially if Kelly continues on using a 13 Personnel. The Bruins will have one extra TE to work with as former QB Matt Lynch has made the move to the end of the line.

The Bruins will also utilize more receivers this season as several young Bruins will step up into the starting and back up roles. Michael Ezekiel, Kyle Phillips, and Chase Cota will be prominent in the passing game and already have a year of experience under their belt. The Bruins will also have some upperclassmen leadership along with Howard as Demetric Felton and Dymond Lee look to get more playing time.

The thing to notice with the receivers is how they are used in both pass catching and blocking plays. Last season we saw the offense gain a lot of yards through both the air and on the ground, so everyone needs to be on alert when Chip Kelly susses out his plan to get downfield.