Bumped: Great breakdown of the offense now and for the future. BN Eds.

Our highly successful recruiting in the first 2 years of the Coach Jim Mora era has raised a concern as the leading edge of the 2012 class and 2011 redshirts graduate this year.

Offensive Line

The next two seasons appear very solid with most members of the two deep possessing some starting experience thanks to twelve offensive line recruits in 2012 and 2013.

In 2017, the offensive line appears to be solid but paper thin. Only Kolton Miller remains from the three offensive line recruits from 2014 (Malcolm Bunch graduated, Najee Toran moved to the defensive line). Three members from 2015-2016 two deep will remain in 2017 (2013 red shirts), although three freshman (Joshua Wariboko, Tevita Halalilo and Fred Ulu Perry) are projected to elevate to the two deep in 2016.

We need 3-4 recruits in 2016 (0 to date) to build depth for 2017. There are 6 top prospects offered that remain uncommitted. Post 2016, we need to continue to recruit 2-3 offensive linemen every year to maintain our two deep.

Quarterback

Our coaching has clearly failed here. Brett Hundley’s tumble in the draft and a freshman challenging (and beating?) quarterbacks with over 2 years’ experience within the system are contrary to CJM’s "NFL Ready" concept. While this probably helped us in recruiting Josh Rosen, it will not be viable moving forward.

The long term impact is devastating. Although we have recruited at least one quarterback in every class since 2012, the failure to develop and subsequent transfer of Asantii Woolard (RSr in 2017) and TJ Millweard (RSr. 2016) drained the quarterback ranks. In addition Aaron Sharp has moved over to wide receiver. We are now one injury away from a giant step backwards.

Our 2014 recruit Aaron Sharp (3*) may have to move back to quarterback to give us some depth along with rapid development of our 2016 commits Matt Lynch (3*) and Dymond Lee (?). Recent history does not support this unless we bring in a new QB coach with requisite knowledge and experience. Shout out to Wayne Cook "Put down the microphone, turn around and face the field."

The 2016 elite QBs have already committed to other schools and converting one will be a monumental task. We have targeted 4 elite QBs for 2017 but unless we can demonstrate a step function improvement in development these recruits will look elsewhere.

Running Back

This is the area of least concern on offense. Contrary to the quarterback situation, we have a solid coach well qualified to develop his players. Witness the long road from 2013, when Myles Jack was used (overused) at running back and Brett Hundley was the leading rusher to 2014 Pac 12 rushing leader Paul Perkins. The emergence of Nate Starks and Craig Lee this year will attest to our ability to grow and develop talent.

We have recruited a quality running back every year since 2012 and need to continue that trend. The depth at running back allows us the option of redshirting Soso Jamabo this year if it becomes necessary. Even if Perkins jumps to the NFL in 2016, barring injury we will have plenty of depth going into 2017.

We have two top prospects (2 small and quick) offered that remain uncommitted and have a commit from Jalen Starks (big and strong). Note: UCLA has Craig Lee listed as a sophomore.

Receivers

Quantity yes, quality uncertain where speed is concerned. We have 16 recruited receivers and about eight walk-ons listed on the roster. We recruited nine receivers in 2012 and 2013 compared to four in 2014 and 2015 (Octavius Spencer will likely convert to corner). The addition of Chris Clark and converted lineman Colby Cyburt gives us depth at TE/Y.

Eight of our recruited receivers will graduate in the next two years including two TE/Ys.

We need Austin Roberts to be healthy, Jordan Lasley and Steven Johnson to continue their development and Kenny Walker to find his hands for 2016.

Despite Michael Pittman’s decommit, we still have one 2016 wide receiver committed (Darian Owens 4*). We need to sign a minimum of 2 more of the 10 top wide receiver prospects offered and at least 1 of the 4 top TE-Y prospects offered to ensure adequate depth for 2017 and beyond.

Summary

Concerns with the impact of departures from the 2012 and 2013 recruiting class primarily offensive line and receiving corps can be mitigated by a solid recruiting class in 2016. A larger concern precipitated by the departures of top QB recruits TJ Millweard and Asantii Woolard and resulting lack of depth presents an immediate issue. Coach Mora must establish a credible "NFL ready" development program for our quarterbacks and establish a progression to break the cycle of freshman quarterbacks. A top quarterback prospect (2017) must be confident that after two years of playing behind Josh Rosen, he will be in the best position to start.