Bruins Nation - UCLA Football Post-Spring Roundtable: State of the BruinsBlog Of The Bruins, By The Bruins, For The Bruinshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48017/bruinsnation_f.png2014-05-01T05:00:10-07:00http://www.bruinsnation.com/rss/stream/54419852014-05-01T05:00:10-07:002014-05-01T05:00:10-07:00Post-Spring Roundtable (Pt. 3): Great Expectations
<figure>
<img alt="No. 6 is the "heart and soul" of the Bruin defense." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2rt0Dd4lPvJqOgQloLvD3_x7Rtk=/0x142:2902x2077/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32385553/156601916.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>No. 6 is the "heart and soul" of the Bruin defense. | Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Part 3 of 3 part roundtable among BruinsNation bloggers - sounding off on various issues related to UCLA football following Bruins' 2014 spring camp.</p> <p dir="ltr"><b><i>Which group has the most question marks - heading into the Fall Camp?</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel:</b> I think it's wide receiver. I still don't see any player on the roster that is better than a #2 option in the passing game. Granted, there are about 6 guys (Payton, Lucien, Massington, Johnson, Fuller and Duarte) that could be solid #2 options, so the depth and overall talent level is great. But no defense is going to have to do anything special with their secondary against UCLA. Maybe some incoming player changes that, but I wouldn't count on it.</p>
<p><span><b>Bellerophon: </b> I'd say the running backs. There's no elite playmaker in the group. Jordon "Joystick" James has always had a ton of promise, but he's never really delivered on it. Perkins and Lee are solid, and Manfro is a dependable option, but there's no MJD or Jet Ski in this group. As I mentioned earlier, maybe true freshman Nathan Starks changes that for us, but with our current RB options, don't be surprised if <span>Brett Hundley</span> leads the team in rushing yards and rushing TDs.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Uclaluv:</b> I am really feeling good about every position. What a cop out right? But how great to feel that way. I got used to saying the dbs but dang, they're going to be really strong this year. I also think the rbs are being coached up very quickly and I feel good about them. So for me a big avoidance here.</span></p>
<p><span><b>chrissorr: </b> I'd have to say the corners. Again, I'll feel better about RB if Lee rises.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Odysseus:</b> There isn't a proven consistent playmaker at receiver, but I think there are enough weapons overall. Offensive line still has question marks and has to replace XSF, but again, there is a depth and talent. The DBs played well for their inexperience and should be better. DL and LB should be fine. I would go with running back.</span></p>
<p><span><b>JoeBruin15: </b>The running backs stuck out as a much improved group, but they need to continue that development to help take the pressure off Hundley. They need to continue working the most, but the O-Line also needs to continue maturing and that will help Brett and the backs out quite a bit.</span></p>
<p><span><b>bruinclassof10</b>: Running backs and o-line depth.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>gbruin:</b> I'm going to say the defensive secondary. They were probably the weakest unit (on a very good team, so that's not meant so much as a criticism) last year. They have a bunch of good names and a ton of talent and promise coming back, but they have yet to show that they can dominate a game from that position. I think they have a ton of upside and amazing depth, so I'll be anxious to see if they can develop and perform the way it looks like they can.</p>
<p><span><b><i>Which group is UCLA's strongest unit - heading into the Fall Camp?</i></b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel:</b> The defensive backs, for me. Returning all 4 starters from an extremely solid unit last season. The depth is insane to think about. Case and point: the third string this season will probably include at least three 4 star players. <span>Johnny Johnson</span> 4*, <span>Marcus Rios</span> 4*, Adarius Pickett 4*, Jaleel Wadood 4*, <span>Tyler Foreman</span> 4*, <span>Tahaan Goodman</span> 4*. None of those players are starters. Plus, Ron Robinson (early enrollee from the 2014 class) is a massive player at safety. He's listed at 6'2, 197 but could easily have grown since he's only 17.</p>
<p><span><b>Bellerophon:</b> I have to agree with IE Angel here - the defensive backs are insanely deep. We get all of the starters back, and we've added a lot of really good players to the unit. This is a group that should be able to shut down all but the most elite QB-WR duos in the conference.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Uclaluv:</b> I could go with the O-line. The holes they've been opening against some really awesome defensive players are incredible. I think they are also making some nice pockets for Brent to operate out of. I like both our lines a lot. But let's not forget we are LB U! Linebackers rule!</span></p>
<p><span><b>Odysseus:</b> I'm going to go with the defensive line, another position that has a huge number of blue chippers and returning experience.</span></p>
<p><span><b>JoeBruin15: </b>I agree that the D-backs are probably the strongest unit on the defensive side of the ball and I think the Defense as a whole may be slightly better than the offense as a whole right now.</span></p>
<p><span><b>gbruin: </b> QB, DL, and OL are pretty good answers, and I said in the section above that the DBs are on the verge of being great, but even after losing <span>Anthony Barr</span> and <span>Jordan Zumwalt</span>, I love the linebackers. <span>Myles Jack</span> doesn't need anything more said about him. <span>Eric Kendricks</span> deserves to have tons more said about him (I just love that kid's game). <span>Kenny Orjioke</span> really flashed during the spring, and <span>Isaako Savaiinaea</span> will be very solid. And when Zach Whitley learns the position, he'll be crazy good. They're an underrated group because of who they are losing, but Coach Brick has made this #LinebackerU, and this year should be no dropoff.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Who is your favorite UCLA football player from next year's team (other than Brett Hundley)?</i></b></p>
<p><span><b>IE Angel:</b> On the offensive side of the ball, probably Jordan Payton. Been a player I've rooted for since the first Fall Camp in San Bernardino. Reminds me of a smaller Joe Jurevicius (which is a big compliment). On the defensive side of the ball, it'd be either <span>Anthony Jefferson</span> or <span>Owamagbe Odighizuwa</span>, both guys that have battled back from injuries to be really productive players that should play on Sundays.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Bellerophon:</b> Myles Jack. Because he's the only man who can beat up Chuck Norris.</span></p>
<p><span><b>UCLAluv</b>: <span>Ishmael Adams</span>. I think he's going to do some more great things this year. I hope he is our return man. We saw what he could do last year (too late) and I hope they don't hold him back this year. I think he'll make some great plays on D as well. Second choice, besides the obvious is, <span>Thomas Duarte</span>.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Odysseus</b>: Myles Jack of course and I'm really rooting for Odighizuwa to put it all together and rebound from his injuries.<br><b><br>JoeBruin15:</b> Those are all great choices and each will have some time to shine this year, but this is the year that our opposition better pay attention to Myles Jack. Owa's another fave just because I love saying his entire name: Owamagbe Odighizuwa. As a lifelong Yankee fan, I can almost hear Bob Sheppard the voice of Yankee Stadium pronouncing it. It would have replaced Shigatoshi Hasagawa as Sheppard's favorite name, for sure.</p>
<p><span><b>gbruin: </b>Eric Kendricks. He's the heart and soul of this team. How that kid wasn't all Pac-12 either of the last 2 years is beyond me, but he'll just store that little slight away and use it to lead the conference in tackles again. Honorable mentions to Myles Jack, Owa, <span>Devin Lucien</span>, EFM and EVD, and the whole OL.</span></p>
<p><span><b><i>What are your current expectations for the football team heading into 2014 Fall Camp?</i></b></span></p>
<p><span><b>IE Angel:</b> Win the Pac-12 South, compete for a Pac-12 Championship and one of the four berths in the first College Football Playoffs. This should be one of the best UCLA teams in the history of the football program at UCLA.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Bellerophon:</b> Not only should we win the Pac-12 South, we should win the whole conference this year. The schedule is set up perfectly for a special run to the first-ever college football playoff. We get Oregon and Stanford at the Rose Bowl. Arizona State on the road will be tricky, but they lost pretty much that entire defense that slowed us down last year, so I don't think they will be a serious problem for us in the division. Getting Hundley back (and if he stays healthy) is huge - this could finally be THE team that gets us to the promised land.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Uclaluv:</b> Win the Pac-12 South, the whole conference, and be in contention to be in the final-four. We have a tough schedule in terms of going undefeated, so some of the championship selections might come from one loss teams, and what they do with that who knows. I do think that if we are only a one loss team, given the level of competition, we should be in.</span></p>
<p><span><b>chrissorr: </b> PAC-12 South for sure. Oregon and Stanford at the Rose Bowl is a big plus so PAC-12 championship is a strong possibility. If that happens, it almost goes without saying that we get into the four team playoff.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Odysseus</b>: I think it all starts with winning the Pac 12 South and then playing well in the big games. If there aren't any poor coaching decisions or poor performances, the rest should take care of itself.</span></p>
<p><span><b>JoeBruin15:</b> The schedule has aligned itself (even with the stupid "neutral" site game at Jerryworld). Win each and every week. I expect to have seven home games this year, not six, because I expect us to win the Pac-12 South and host the Pac-12 Championship game. Getting to the Rose Bowl that Friday is going to be hell! Our toughest four games will be at home -- Oregon, Stanford, $c, and the P12CG. Winning the P12CG should put us into the CFP at the Rose Bowl (but that won't be a home crowd) and that should get us to Jerryworld for the Championship Game. 60 years is enough. It's time for #2 and I believe that we can get it done this year.</span></p>
<p><b>gbruin:</b> Pac-12 Champs. Winning the Pac-12 South should also get us home field for the Pac-12 Championship game, and I love our chances at the Rose Bowl. Now, I don't have enough faith in the national powers that be that winning the Pac-12 will get us in the Final Four (I'd sooner believe that 3 SEC teams and a 2 loss tOSU get invited), but we should be banging on the door. Footballs bounce funny and there are always the SPTRs to screw things up, but if we can avoid injuries then we have as good a look at that Final Four right now as anyone out west.</p>
<p><i>And, that's the end of our post-spring roundtable folks. If you agree/disagree, chime in with your 2 cents (or lot more) in the comment thread. It's gonna be long summer till San Bernardino. GO BRUINS.</i></p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2014/5/1/5670488/ucla-football-post-spring-roundtable-part-3-favorite-bruins-otherNestor2014-04-30T05:00:11-07:002014-04-30T05:00:11-07:00Post-Spring Roundtable (Pt. 2): Shining Stars
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R32CdTiw9S23XH_6NAFy_TZtpl8=/0x91:4000x2758/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32339947/185971451.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Ferrey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Part 2 of 3 part roundtable among BruinsNation bloggers - sounding off on various issues related to UCLA football following Bruins' 2014 spring camp.</p> <p dir="ltr"><b><i>Who is your pick to lead the team in receptions in 2014?</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel:</b> My rationale here is picking who gains the most from Shaq Evans lost production. I figure Hundley will throw for around 3500 yards and loses 47 catches on the outside (Evans) and 28 on the inside (<span>Darius Bell</span> and<span>Grayson Mazzone</span>), The outside will be split between <span>Devin Lucien</span> and <span>Jordan Payton</span> with <span>Eldridge Massington</span>factoring in as well, the inside will be eaten up by <span>Devin Fuller</span>, <span>Thomas Duarte</span> and Mossi Johnson. I think the safe bet is Jordan Payton because he's shown to be far more consistent than Lucien.</p>
<p><b>Bellerophon</b>: Either Jordan Payton, who seems to be a consistent target, or Devin Fuller working out of the slot since he's explosive and the coaches will want the ball in his hands as much as possible.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Uclaluv: </b>Hmmm. I'm going with, man this is tough. Okay, Payton, followed closely by Duarte and Fuller. I think Fuller gets a lot of those nice little shots cutting across the middle. But I think Duarte gets open a lot down the middle and has great hands. He seems to have become a favorite of Hundley (finally). But I think it's become clear that Payton is the go to guy for Brent. So Payton it is.</p>
<p><b>chrissorr:</b> I agree with IE. The safe bet is Jordan Payton. I'd like to see Lucien have a big year. Surprised I didn't see more of Johnson during Spring Showcase.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Odysseus:</b> Payton seems most likely to lead the team in receptions, although he may not lead in yardage.</p>
<p><b>JoeBruin15:</b> Us New Jersey guys need to stick together. I've got Fuller.</p>
<p><b>gbruin</b>: Payton and Duarte. Lucien will have the most big plays, but the offense will flow through Payton outside and Duarte inside and up the middle.</p>
<p><b>bruinclassof10</b>: Jordan Payton</p>
<p><b><i>Who is your pick to lead the team in TDs in 2014?</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel:</b> <span>Brett Hundley</span> runs for more touchdowns than anyone else catches or runs for. His 11 rushing touchdowns (and 1 receiving) last year probably becomes 15 touchdowns or so.</p>
<p><b>Bellerophon:</b> Brett Hundley. It's not even close.</p>
<p><b>Uclaluv:</b> Ditto (Hundley). Boring huh? Okay, I'll add Duarte and Payton</p>
<p><b>chrissorr: </b>Hundley is the obvious choice. James after that. If its Lee, I take that as a good sign. Duarte will also get his share.</p>
<p><b>Odysseus:</b> I wanted to come up with a running back who would rush for more, but I wasn't able to do it. Hundley.</p>
<p><b>JoeBruin15:</b> #Hundley4Heisman. ‘Nuff said.</p>
<p><b>gbruin:</b> <span>Jordon James</span>. I think Hundley will have the luxury to pick his spots this fall and he'll be able to rely on the running game without having to keep the ball himself as often.</p>
<p><b>bruinclassof10</b>: Brett Hundley</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Who is your pick to lead the team in sacks in 2014?</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel: </b><span>Owamagbe Odighizuwa</span> (I really missed spelling that name) has looked like the 5* overwhelming edge rusher that he was expected to be. I think he'll get pretty close to double digit sacks. I also am going out on a limb and saying he ends up being drafted in the first 64 picks in 2015. Expecting a big jump from <span>Ellis McCarthy</span> and <span>Eddie Vanderdoes</span> as pass rushers as well.</p>
<p><b>Bellerophon</b>: Owamagbe Odighizuwa</p>
<p><b>Uclaluv:</b> <span>Kenny Orjioke</span>, Owamagbe, Odighizuwa (spelling it out so I can learn it), and Jack. I think the LB's are going to be going for it a lot this year.</p>
<p><b>chrissorr:</b> Owa.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Odysseus:</b> Odighizuwa. Again, I was trying to talk myself into picking someone else but was unable to do it.</p>
<p><b>JoeBruin15:</b> You guys all disappoint me here. Owamagbe Odighizuwa is a beast. He also has the most fun name to pronounce on the team. But you guys don't know Jack! <span>Myles Jack</span>.</p>
<p><b>bruinclassof10: </b>Owa</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><i>In the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being comfortable to 5 being deeply concerned) - what is your current state of mind regarding UCLA's kicking game?</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel: </b>I'm at a 1. Again, probably in the minority here for not being at all concerned about the kicking game. I don't worry too much about Ka'imi Fairbairn. Team is too talented everywhere else to think having a top 50 kicker instead of a top 10 kicker will impact the team, in my opinion.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Bellerophon:</b> I'd say I'm at a 3. Fairbairn is definitely not <span>Kai Forbath</span> re-born. Does this team need an elite kicker? No, definitely not, and Ka'imi is consistent enough. But for every elite team, there's at least one game that comes down to the special teams and the kickers, where the best of the best escape with the close win. For us, it could very well be the Pac-12 title game, or it could be that September 25 road game at Arizona State. Hopefully, Kai'imi comes through when he's needed the most.</p>
<p><b>Uclaluv:</b> I am with IE here. In practice, Fairbairn became quite consistent at short to mid range kicks. The punts looked really good on Saturday. I'll go with a 1 as well.</p>
<p><b>chrissorr</b>: I'm at 3 or 4. Never been a fan. More limelight this year, and could be closer games with Oregon and later on in the playoffs.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Odysseus</b>: 3, I'm not totally comfortable, but I'm not too worried either.</p>
<p><b>JoeBruin15: </b>Put me at a 1.5 here, solely for placekicking. I don't understand why the coaching staff hasn't brought in so much as a walk-on PK to compete with Fairbairn, especially when you consider that Bruin alum Chris Sailer has developed the top kicking camp in the country for HS players. Why can't Mora and company tap into that resource and bring a guy in to compete? That said, nothing would tick me off more during the reign of Coach Toledo's Successor than when we would play Donahue ball and accept a field goal try. Touchdowns win games, not field goals (except when you're playing Stanford for the P12 Championship).</p>
<p><b>bruinclassof10: </b>I'm at a 3. Not panicking but not feeling too great about it either.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Who are your three stars from this year's spring football camp (including the Spring Showcase)?</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel:</b> Mossi Johnson, <span>Priest Willis</span> and a tie for 3rd between <span>Fabian Moreau</span> and Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Mossi Johnson is #1 by quite a bit, Brett Hundley not playing in the Showcase hurt him because he was Hundley's favorite target all spring. Moreau and Odighizuwa have already proven how good they are, but they seemed to take the next step this year. From All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention status to All-Pac-12 first team status. Willis is the player I watched more than anyone else live. I think I was there the day he took the leap after battling Massington in 1-on-1s. He looked rock solid in the showcase except for one play where Payton broke his ankles on a double-move to the sideline on a deep corner. He was with the starters on defense, and I wouldn't be surprised if it stayed that way.</p>
<p><b>Bellerophon</b>: I think Priest Willis has done a lot this spring to take the next step and starting to justify all of the hype that surrounded him coming out of high school. Owa being back is huge for the DL, but I also thought <span>Deon Hollins</span>put on a good show in the spring game - whether than translates into anything when the real games start is another story, but he looked promising.</p>
<p><b>Uclaluv:</b> I have to pick Thomas Duarte, Kenny Orjioke, and Mossi Johnson/Fabian Moreau (can I do four?). There are many that stood out to me, but in the few practices I attended I found myself looking to see who numbers 46, 14, and 10 were (I knew Duarte was 19). There is some amazing talent on this team, but I think these guys really stood out.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Odysseus:</b> Mossi Johnson, Odighizuwa, Duarte.</p>
<p><b>JoeBruin15:</b> <span>Craig Lee</span> made a big impression on me. Owamagbe Odighizuwa would be another and my third is Ishmael Adams. That guy is always around the ball and he's got a good pair of hands to take it the other way.</p>
<p><b>bruinclassof10:</b> Mossi Johnson, Fabian Moreau and Kenny Clark.</p>
<p><i>You know the drill here. The answers above are just some of the thoughts from some of our frontpagers. If you agree/disagree, chime in with your 2 cents (or lot more) in the comment thread. More to come tomorrow in Part 3 including discussion on our expectations for Coach Jim Mora's program in 2014. GO BRUINS.</i></p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2014/4/30/5667178/ucla-football-post-spring-roundtable-part-2-the-bruin-stars-of-springNestor2014-04-29T05:00:09-07:002014-04-29T05:00:09-07:00Post-Spring Roundtable (Pt. 1): Backfield Action
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9JSvZcp7L293Vx9xiLP98XxMPec=/72x0:3927x2570/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32292753/180546389.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric Francis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Part 1 of 3 part roundtable among BruinsNation bloggers - sounding off on various issues related to UCLA football following Bruins' 2014 spring camp.</p> <p dir="ltr"><b><i>If you had to pick someone other than number 17 to start at quarterback for UCLA against Virginia, who would you pick and why?</i></b><br><br><b>IE Angel:</b> I would still go with <span>Asiantii Woulard</span> without much question. While <span>Jerry Neuheisel</span> and Mike Faufal have both exceeded my expectations by a ton, there's no denying that Woulard offers far more potential than both of those players. There is another underlooked element of Woulard's game hasn't ever been allowed to shine in practices or the Spring Showcase, his ability to run. That alone makes up any gap in the level of understanding how to manage a game that Neuheisel or Faufal might have.</p>
<p><span><b>Belllerophon:</b> Honestly, I'm not sure. It would probably be Woulard despite the fact he's hit a bit of a wall and wasn't very impressive at the spring game. Neuheisel is a great back up game manager, but for a coach's kid, he made some poor decisions (and his lack of elite arm strength, which helps bail out some guys with bad decision making, hurt), which Rick promptly pointed out to him in his post-game interview. I like Jerry, think he's a great guy (and he sounds so much like his dad, it's weird), would love to see him get a lot of action mopping up games. But, Jerry is what he is, whereas Woulard has that upside and potential to get better with more game action - he's the kind of QB where you feel that the more he plays, the better he'll get.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Uclaluv:</b> I was disappointed that Asiantii didn't get to play with the one's yesterday. I really wanted to see what he could do in that situation. Jerry is so much more consistent than Asiantii right now, but as Bellerophon says, still makes mental errors that he should be passed making. I guess I'd go with Asiantii, but it's a tough call. His throws have been so far off in the practices I've seen and he's had trouble moving the offense. On the other hand, getting him real game time might just bring out a different Asiantii. If he doesn't work out, Jerry could still come in and be the solid back up he is.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>chrissorr:</b> I'd say Woulard. Unfortunately, I don't say it with a lot of confidence. Tell you what though, I'm looking forward to the battle royale between Woulard and Rosen next spring.</p>
<p><span><b>Odysseus:</b> Well I would hope it doesn't come to that. I did not watch any spring practice, so it's hard to say. I definitely prefer Woulard's upside, but based on reports, it's doesn't sound like he's ready.</span></p>
<p><span><b>JoeBruin15</b>: Let's face it. We've been very lucky that Hundley has not gotten hurt at all so far. That said, I think we will need to get both Jerry and Asiantii some playing time early in the season. Lock the games up and get them both some (more) experience, just in case. That said, if Hundley was absolutely unable to start against Virginia, I think you play the guy who has practiced best. From what I've seen with my own eyes at two spring practices and the Spring Showcase, that's <span>Jerry Neuheisel</span>.</span></p>
<p><span><b>gbruin:</b> I'd go with Jerry. He's simply better able to execute the offense right now. Woulard will be better in the long run, and he needs to get more snaps in practice to develop, but if you need someone to play right now, Jerry is more familiar with the offense and will do a better job managing the game.</span></p>
<p><span><b><i>What does your ideal UCLA running back depth chart look like after the spring game?</i></b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel:</b> I'm probably in the minority because I am 100% in favor of a by-committee approach in the backfield. That's how the game of football works best now. But I don't think there's much of a change based in what I saw in the 3 practices I saw. 1. <span>Jordon James</span> 2. <span>Steven Manfro</span>/<span>Paul Perkins</span> 3. <span>Craig Lee</span>.</p>
<p><span><b>Bellerophon</b>: I was more impressed with Perkins than Manfro, who I think is still dancing too much in the backfield and not hitting the hole with authority. I'd probably slide him down the depth chart behind James, Perkins, and Lee. But still, I agree with IE Angel, that given Mazzone's spread-style offense, and our desire to be more up-tempo, rotating the RB regularly helps keep fresh legs on the field at all times.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Uclaluv:</b> I agree with everything IE said about RB by committee. However, I think Lee, Manfro, and Perkins are going to pass James by. I think Lee won't drop those passes and his speed is special.</span></p>
<p><span><b>chrissorr</b></span><b style="font-size: 12px;">: </b><span>I'm hoping Lee comes on strong. That might be the thing that puts up us into the playoffs. James next.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Odysseus:</b> James has experience and fits the offense well, but if Lee can continue to learn, he has a chance to offer a more explosive look.</span></p>
<p><span><b>JoeBruin15:</b> Lee has looked extremely good in Spring ball. Manfro has had a good Spring too, but I really see him more as a third-down back that can catch some passes and scamper for short yardage. Perkins has never really impressed me. So I see him falling to 3rd on the depth chart by season-end if not by the fall with James and Lee sharing the bulk of the carries.</span></p>
<p><span><b>gbruin:</b> I think James is still number 1 with Perkins and Manfro filling in in spots. I do expect Lee to move up that chart quickly though, and I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't starting by midseason, but he's not there yet. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Based on what you have seen and read about UCLA running backs this spring - does Nathan Starks get to see the field next year or will he get redshirted? Yes-No? Gut feeling?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>IE Angel: </b>I think he redshirts for sure unless he shows he's too good to keep off of special teams or explodes at a different level than the current group.</p>
<p><span><b>Bellerophon:</b> None of the RBs really blew me away, so if he takes fall camp by storm, then I could see him getting a shot. No one was terrible, but no one was the consensus stud leading man either. To be blunt, there's no Jet Ski or MJD in this current group, so if Starks has the goods, he could see action as a true freshman.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Uclaluv: </b>My gut says red-shirt, but if he really stands out he'll be in. I actually feel really good about the current group. I know Lee dropped some easy ones Saturday (passes), but that is not what he has been doing in practice and I think he'll end up making a lot of big plays.</span></p>
<p><span><b>chrissorr: </b>Gut would be redshirt.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Odysseus:</b> Redshirt.</span></p>
<p><span><b>JoeBruin15:</b> It will completely and totally depend on his fall camp. Unless he gets to camp and blows the roof off the place, he redshirts. And, the chances that he outplays 4 other guys (and <span>Myles Jack</span>?) who know the offensive system is pretty small. It's not a knock on Starks. The other guys are just further ahead knowing our offense. But it's not impossible. I don't see Mora burning a redshirt year for special teams play on a running back.</span></p>
<p><b>gbruin:</b> I think he redshirts, and he'll be a major contributor in his second (redshirt freshman) year.</p>
<p><i>Now those are some of the thoughts from some of our frontpagers. If you agree/disagree, chime in with your 2 cents (or lot more) in the comment thread. More to come tomorrow including discussion on Bruins' biggest stars from 2014's spring camp. </i></p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2014/4/29/5663780/ucla-football-post-spring-roundtable-part-1-thoughts-on-bruinsNestor