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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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Special Teams

Projected Spring Depth Chart

  • K: JJ Molson (Sr)
  • P: ???
  • LS: Johnny Den Bleyker (Sr)
  • KR: ???
  • PR: ???

The Bruins have at least two special teams positions locked up as seniors JJ Molson and Johnny Den Bleyker will return for their final spring.

Molson was one of the few bright spots for special teams as was nearly automatic whenever he was called upon. What would help tremendously is if his line would limit their mistakes and avoid pushing him further back and making his job that much harder.

Den Bleyker has been consistent every year he has been with the team, so this is not a position of concern. What is a concern is who he will be tossing the ball to as punting savior Stefan Flintoft has graduated and currently, the Bruins do not have a punter on scholarship and will need to utilize a few walk-ons (unless Molson is asked to step in for the meantime).

The rest of special teams will have to be tinkered with as there needs to be a complete overhaul. The Bruins shot themselves in the foot in several games last year because of the poor play of ST. From blocking to receiving kicks to getting favorable yardage, the Bruins need to do anything and everything to improve what special teams bring to each game.