Bruins Nation - 2015 UCLA Football Spring PreviewBlog Of The Bruins, By The Bruins, For The Bruinshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48017/bruinsnation_f.png2015-03-30T11:48:00-07:00http://www.bruinsnation.com/rss/stream/80654522015-03-30T11:48:00-07:002015-03-30T11:48:00-07:00UCLA Football Spring Preview: Special Teams
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QzDXSPRcIFXijfhlnVCMrlEEafo=/0x0:2629x1753/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46002748/usa-today-8104995.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As we head into the start of spring football practice, Bruins Nation wraps up its series of previews with a look at UCLA's special teams.</p> <p>On the eve of spring football practice, we wind up our series of positional previews by looking at the Bruins' special teams. If you've missed any of the preceding previews, you can find all of the projections in the <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2015/3/27/8301411/2015-ucla-football-spring-preview" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Bruins Nation 2015 UCLA Football Spring Preview</a>.</p>
<p>It is a sad fact that kickers, punters and especially long snappers are more likely to be cursed than celebrated. They are more likely to be remembered for a single mistake than for a string of successes. In a sport where specialization is taken to an extreme, the skill involved in kicking, punting and snapping is generally underappreciated.</p>
<p>Before looking at the potential spring depth chart, it should be mentioned that the special teams depth chart is based more on the 2014 season than on offseason reports and chatter. There's a simple reason for this--special teams players typically don't generate much interest and consequently get very little attention. Nevertheless, they're an important element in the success of every team.</p>
<p>That said, here's the projected spring depth chart:</p>
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</p>
<p> </p>
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<table width="600" align="center" style="border: 10px solid #3a93c5; height: 150px;" border="10">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Punter</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Kick Returner</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Punt Returner</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Long Snapper</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Ka'imi Fairbairn</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Matt Mengel</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Ishmael Adams</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p>Ishmael Adams<span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Christopher Longo</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p>Stefan Flintoft<span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Adam Searl</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Mossi Johnson</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Randall Goforth</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Peter Hajimihalis</span><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Kicker</h5>
<p>Ka'imi Fairbairn is the incumbent as he heads into his senior season. Fairbairn showed improvement in 2014, finishing third in the Pac-12 in field goal efficiency (18 out of 22). His accuracy on shorter field goals (35 yards or less) is outstanding, with 29 straight conversions. Up to this point in his UCLA career, Fairbairn may be remembered more for his misses than his makes, and that's unfortunate because he's improved to become a consistent performer for the Bruins,</p>
<p>Stefan Flintoft didn't see the field in his freshman season, and the same fate likely awaits him in 2015.</p>
<h5>Punter</h5>
<p>2014 was not a strong year for UCLA's punting unit. Punter Sean Covington departed in the summer and was immediately replaced by junior transfer Matt Mengel from Long Beach City College. Mengel was adequate; he finished near the bottom of the conference rankings (8th) in punting average (40.2 yards), though he ranked higher (5th) in net punting average (37.9 yards).</p>
<p>Mengel surely enters spring practice as the top of the depth chart, but Adam Searl could challenge him. Searl--a redshirt freshman in 2014--saw limited action, but performed satisfactorily, finishing the season with a 39.1 yard punting average on 11 punts. It will be an interesting battle to monitor this spring and summer.</p>
<h5>Kick Returner</h5>
<p>Ishmael Adams has to be at the top of the depth chart after leading the team in kickoff returns (26) and yardage (591) in 2014. He also had the Bruins' only kickoff return for a touchdown:</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<div style="position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;padding-bottom:37px;" class="snappytv-embed"><iframe style="position:absolute;top:0;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="100%" width="100%" src="http://www.snappytv.com/tc/321267"></iframe></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Adams ranked ninth in the Pac-12 in kick return average (22.7 yards) in 2014.</p>
<p>I've listed Mossi Johnson behind Adams on the spring depth chart solely based on the fact that he was second in kickoff returns (8) and average (22.0 yards) in 2014. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see someone else move into the slot behind Adams by the end of spring practice.</p>
<h5>Punt Returner</h5>
<p>Adams was responsible for all but one of the Bruins' punt returns in 2014, and ranked fourth in the Pac-12 in punt return average at 9.2 yards. The only other player to return punts in both of the past two seasons is Randall Goforth with four returns in two years. I've placed Goforth second on the depth chart, but I think it's unlikely that he'll be asked to return punts as he works his way back from season-ending injuries to his shoulders. There is no shortage of candidates to replace him.</p>
<h5>Long Snapper</h5>
<p>In perhaps the least interesting and least talked about position battle, Christopher Longo claims the top spot on the spring depth chart after serving as the long snapper for all kicks in 2014. I've tentatively listed long snapper Peter Hajimihalis as Longo's backup even though the roster on the official website lists Hajimihalis' year as "unknown." Hajimihalis has been enrolled at UCLA since 2011.</p>
<p>Spring football practice begins tomorrow at 7 AM PT. Be sure to check tomorrow afternoon for Bruins Nation's first Spaulding roundup of 2015.</p>
<p>Go BRUINS!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2015/3/30/8309399/ucla-football-spring-preview-special-teamsBruinette882015-03-29T08:00:03-07:002015-03-29T08:00:03-07:00UCLA Spring Preview: QB Competition, Paul Perkins
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/84fPGohOnCZ0e6BeKAk0N1zLT1M=/0x163:4665x3273/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45998734/usa-today-8222511.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bruins get ready to start Spring Practice this week and Bruins Nation takes a look at the quarterbacks, which will be the most watched position battle of the year for UCLA, and also at Paul Perkins and the rest of the UCLA running backs.</p> <p>I will start out by saying that I put way too much thought into selecting the picture for this post. I wanted to try and find one with <span>Asiantii Woulard</span> and <span>Jerry Neuheisel</span> in it, then I thought about using one of Woulard because I think he is the most interesting candidate at QB, then I thought of using a picture of Jerry being lifted on his teammates' shoulders after the come-from-behind victory against Texas, then I looked to see if Josh Rosen had any pictures in the database but I was not going to use a non-UCLA jersey.</p>
<p>I copped out at the end and just picked <span>Paul Perkins</span> because this is a dual-preview and he was UCLA's leading rusher last season.</p>
<p>Let's get to the previews for the most important position on the field and what could be the most set-in-stone position on the field heading into the spring.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Quarterbacks</b></p>
<table border="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Quarterback</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Jerry Neuheisel</span> RS JR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Asiantii Woulard RS SO</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Josh Rosen FR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Mike Fafaul RS JR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Aaron Sharp RS FR</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm just going to break it up by making the case for each of the 3 competitors for the QB position, since that is what I assume everyone wants to see happen in this preview.</p>
<p>Aaron Sharp is still listed here pending confirmation from Coach Mora about his status. Neither he or Mike Fafaul will be factors in this competition though.</p>
<p><b>The case for Jerry Neuheisel</b>:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j2DT1kC39Jc?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>(<i>thanks to Pac-12 Conference for uploading this</i>)</p>
<p>I think it is pretty much a lock for Neuheisel to get the first reps once practice starts this week. How long that role lasts is something I have no idea of.</p>
<p>Jerry is physically limited. He's less athletic than either Woulard or Rosen. He has a significantly weaker arm than either Woulard or Rosen. He is significantly smaller physically than either Woulard or Rosen. He has significantly less upside than either Woulard or Rosen.</p>
<p>That being said, he has shown that he can handle in-game reps without imploding. He is the only QB (besides Fafaul in a blowout) with any game experience. He is a Pac-12 level talent at QB and could probably start at more than half of the programs in D1 college football.</p>
<p>I genuinely think that a team led by Jerry Neuheisel at QB could win 8-9 games in the Pac-12. But there is not a way that I can see a team with Jerry Neuheisel at QB winning the Pac-12.</p>
<p>My ideal scenario is one where Jerry is the backup QB for the next two years and gets to experience UCLA winning a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/pac-12-championship">Pac-12 Championship</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The case for Asiantii Woulard</b>:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EyYraGompoQ?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>(<i>thanks to steven moffet for uploading this a few years ago</i>)</p>
<p>Needed to pull up that film just to remind everyone that Asiantii Woulard was:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>The #1 dual-threat quarterback in the country when he was recruited</span></li>
<li><span>Won Elite 11 MVP in 2012 over Christian Hackenburg (Penn State QB, 5* recruit), <span>Jared Goff</span> (stellar performer at Cal thus far) and <span>Malik Zaire</span> (starter at Notre Dame).</span></li>
<li><span>Entering just his 5th year of playing at QB.</span></li>
<li> <span>Has all the physical skills a coach could ask for. Size, <a href="https://youtu.be/EyYraGompoQ?t=8m36s" target="_blank">speed</a>, <a href="https://youtu.be/EyYraGompoQ?t=3m43s" target="_blank">arm strength</a> (<a href="https://youtu.be/EyYraGompoQ?t=9m10s" target="_blank">seriously,</a> look at the<a href="https://youtu.be/EyYraGompoQ?t=7m21s" target="_blank"> arm strength</a>), poise in the pocket (look at </span><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://youtu.be/EyYraGompoQ?t=2m48s" target="_blank">this moment from the tape</a><span> and tell me that player can't be coached up), r</span><a href="https://youtu.be/EyYraGompoQ?t=4m14s" target="_blank">unning ability out the yin-yang</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>If you cannot turn someone that talented into a D1-level starter, that is an indictment on you as a coach.</p>
<p>I am a firm believer that Woulard would be able to perform if he were ever actually placed into a game (part of why I was immensely frustrated that UCLA was not able to get him playing time at any point last season).</p>
<p>He's the wildcard in this QB competition. If he loses out, I would not be surprised to see or blame him for transferring to another program where he could get a chance to show what he can do.</p>
<p>If everything clicks, I would not be remotely surprised to see him win and hold onto the job for the next three years.</p>
<p>But there is the one thing standing in the way of either of those two players making their way onto the field with the 1st thing offense at the Rose Bowl in September.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The case for Josh Rosen</b>:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rkT9r5L0vgU?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eW6RO-iu2PE?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>(<i>thanks to Josh Rosen for uploading both of these</i>)</p>
<p>In case you hadn't heard, UCLA will have a fairly talented addition to the QB competition in the Spring. Josh Rosen enrolled in the winter at UCLA and will be the most talked about player in a UCLA jersey for the next 5-6 months until the QB situation is decided.</p>
<p>I cannot think of a high school player that UCLA has successfully recruited that was as highly regarded as Rosen (note: <span>Ben Olson</span> does not count because he was a transfer and had not played QB in something like 4 years when he showed up).</p>
<p>Rosen deserves it as well. While he was probably on the most talented team in the United States (has to have been pretty close to 20 D1 players that he had around him at St. John Bosco), he was by far the biggest reason that football program went from Trinity League doormat to national championship contender.</p>
<p>Intelligence, height, build, arm strength, arm talent, accuracy, above average athleticism, stellar footwork. Plus, pissing off Trent Dilfer is a huge bonus for a player in my book.</p>
<p>Heavy favorite to win the job and start for the Bruins for the next 3-4 years (seriously though, there is no way Rosen doesn't graduate early. If he sticks after his 3rd season, he will be in the graduate program or taking ballet classes).</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Running Backs</b></p>
<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Running Backs</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Paul Perkins RS JR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nathan Starks SO</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Steven Manfro</span> RS SR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Craig Lee</span> RS SO</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Sotonye "Soso" Jamabo FR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Roosevelt Davis RS SR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Bolu Olorunfunmi FR</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>I will go on record of saying that I did not see Perkins' emergence coming. I thought he'd end up a rotation back.</p>
<p>The crow tasted amazing.</p>
<p>Almost 1600 yards rushing. Another 200 receiving. 11 touchdowns. 6.3 yards per carry.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n3sSck_Z_Ds?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>(<i>thanks to Football Only for uploading this)</i></p>
<p>I hope and expect for his touches to drop this year, just because 300 touches is too many for any RB in my opinion.</p>
<p>The production should still be there though and he is safely the incumbent starter. Would take something unexpected to change that.</p>
<p>Nathan Starks will continue to develop and should see more touches as a change of pace back, hopefully ending the <span>Myles Jack</span> at RB experiment permanently.</p>
<p>The return of Steven Manfro from injury should not be slept on. Not going to be a real factor running the ball, but still the best receiving option UCLA has on the roster out of the backfield. Easy to remember only the punt return miscues and forget he had 700 all-purpose yards in 2012 and averaged over 10 yards a touch on offense in that season.</p>
<p>Craig Lee is in a tough spot with the incoming talent and his current place on the depth chart. I saw enough flashes last spring and in camp at San Bernardino to have questions about why he never got touches as a redshirt freshman. If there is room to get Ahmad Harris, <span>Logan Sweet</span>, <span>Tyler Scott</span> and <span>Taylor Lagace</span> playing time on offense, then I think it would have been smart to throw Lee into game action at some point. Just throw dude a swing pass in the 4th quarter or something.</p>
<p>Soso (I prefer Sotonye because I already have <span>Owamagbe Odighizuwa</span> spelling/pronunciation withdrawals) Jamabo is the most intriguing option here to take some reps away from the other backs, but he is still in high school and will not be a factor until the fall. 5-star skill position recruits tend to not redshirt though.</p>
<p>That will be it with the offensive and defensive position previews, special teams will wrap things up tomorrow. Everybody is excited to see the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/">UCLA Bruins</a> back on the football field.</p>
<p>Until then, Go Bruins!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2015/3/29/8306141/ucla-football-spring-preview-quarterbacks-and-running-backsIE Angel2015-03-28T10:00:03-07:002015-03-28T10:00:03-07:00UCLA's Receiving Corps: Experience, Depth & Talent
<figure>
<img alt="The 2015 UCLA receiving corps will be deep and experienced." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r72nLiKEtdHk7brNGzBrLFp32v8=/195x277:1995x1477/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45976640/GettyImages-459430988.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The 2015 UCLA receiving corps will be deep and experienced. | Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UCLA Football returns to the field next week and Bruins Nation is taking a look at each position going into spring camp. Today we take a look at the receivers.</p> <p>The 2015 receiving corps will be deep, talented, and experienced. This year, if all goes as planned, all scholarship receivers will be returning. In addition to that, UCLA will add a very talented player who redshirted last year, two players that were injured last year, and possibly a QB to the mix. And let us not forget, the Bruins still have <span>Eddie Vanderdoes</span> for those <a href="http://thumb.usatodaysportsimages.com/image/thumb/540-390nw/7574495.jpg">special moments.</a></p>
<p>Before getting to the potential depth chart we should note a few things. First, Noel Mazzone's offense uses a lot of receivers, in a lot of different packages. So the depth chart is very fluid. Second, there are players that have yet to see the field (e.g. Jordan Lasley and <span>Austin Roberts</span>) who could emerge as special receivers this year. Third, we have new talent coming in the fall, and while many will probably redshirt, we also know that Coach Mora doesn't hesitate to put the best players on the field.</p>
<p>So let's take a look at the potential spring depth chart and then how things might pan out after practice begins:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>WR</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>SLOT WR (F)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>TE (Y)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>WR</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Jordan Payton</span> (SR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Devin Fuller</span> (SR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Thomas Duarte</span> (JR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>E</span>ldridge Massington (RS SO)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>Jordan Lasley (RS FR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Mossi Johnson</span> (SO)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>Mossi Johnson (SO)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Devin Lucien</span> (RS SR)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Alex Van Dyke</span> (SO)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Ahmaad Harris</span> (RS JR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Tyler Scott</span> (RS SR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p>Kenny Walker (RS JR)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Logan Sweet</span> (RS SR)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top"></td>
<td width="111" valign="top">Zach Bornstein (RS FR)</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Austin Roberts</span> (RS FR)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
<p><span>Darren Andrews</span> (RS SO)</p>
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top"></td>
<td width="111" valign="top"><br></td>
<td width="111" valign="top"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>There are a couple of positions that we came really close to changing, but we will wait on reports from Spaulding this week, before moving anyone around. For one, Mossi Johnson exploded in the second half of the season and may be even or ahead of Devin Fuller at this point. Eldridge Massington had passed Devin Lucien at the end of the year, but that's a close call and could switch again. Devin Lucien was going through a lot last year, which seemed to affect him, and still came through with a <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-football-20141111-story.html">brilliant TD catch</a>, which was wrongly taken away.</p>
<p>Last year, <span>Jordan Payton</span> and Thomas Duarte were clearly the <a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30500&CONTENT_ID=966284">go-to Bruin receivers</a>. Jordan averaged 73.4 yards/game, for a team high 954 total yards. Duarte averaged 45 yards/game for a season total of 540 yards. Both showed the ability to break tackles and get a lot of yards after tackle. Fuller had the third most yards for the season, 447, followed by Massington with 367 yards, Mossi Johnson with 232, and Lucien with 225. These numbers correspond to the order in yards/game.</p>
<p>This year, with such a deep group, it will be interesting to see what stars emerge and which players become the go-to guys.</p>
<p><b>The Wideouts </b></p>
<p>We know what Jordan Payton, Eldridge Massington, and Devin Lucien bring to the table. Jordan is steady, strong, and is able to break tackles for more yards down field. Massington, should be more explosive this year, being another year away from his injury, and his downfield speed should also improve. His size makes him a really good target and his strength allows him to make and hang on to difficult catches. Lucien is very athletic, has good speed, and good hands, and could become more of a downfield threat this year. We'll see if he gets more opportunities, this year, to be the game breaker he can be.</p>
<p>Alex Van Dyke, Jordan Lasley, Austin Roberts, and Darren Andrews will also be good options this year. Depending on how they perform, all could emerge as good weapons for the Bruins. We saw Van Dyke a few times last year. He has the height to provide our quarterback(s) a great target, but was very thin last year, especially in the legs. A year working with Sal Alosi has hopefully helped him put on some bulk.</p>
<p>Three receivers who could have a big impact this year are Jordan Lasley, Austin Roberts, and Darren Andrews. They are not new to the team, but will hit the field for the first time this year. Roberts injured his ACL right after joining the Bruins, Andrews underwent surgery in November after re-injuring a knee in fall camp, and Lasley redshirted.</p>
<p>Jordan Lasley just may end up being some people's favorite player. The word coming out of spaulding last year, was the Jordan was killing on the scout team, running great routes and making incredible catches. Last November, <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2014/11/19/7251725/spaulding-roundup-ucla-football-coordinators-praise-southern-cal-gary-beban">Mazzone</a><a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2014/11/19/7251725/spaulding-roundup-ucla-football-coordinators-praise-southern-cal-gary-beban" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> raved</a> about <span>Lasley</span> "who is going to be a stud! ... The sucker comes out and competes his butt off everyday...He makes it easier for our guys on Saturday."</p>
<p>Austin Roberts is expected to bring <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_recruiting/2013/7/17/4533320/ucla-football-recruiting-austin-roberts-bruins-jim-mora">speed and size</a> to the corps. Darren Andrews is fast and is said to have good hands. Both could become deep ball threats this year. Andrews also has the quickness and size, that might make him well suited to play the F slot. Because both are returning from surgery, we won't know how well their bodies are responding until they get back on the field.</p>
<p>Filling out the wideout position are Kenny Walker and Logan Sweet. We saw the kind of break out speed Walker had last year, reflected in his 2 catches for 62 yards. However, we also saw him drop some crucial passes. While Logan Sweet is a good blocker, he lacks the speed and hands to compete with the other talent at WR.</p>
<p>One more name to keep in mind is Aaron Sharp. Sharp is a quarterback, but was a receiver on the scout team last year. Like Fuller, he may find that he can get real playing time as a receiver.</p>
<p><b>Slot WR (F)</b></p>
<p>Devin Fuller and Mossi Johnson will probably split time at this position unless one of them can emerge as the much better choice. Devin didn't have the break out year many had hoped for last year. He did, however, rack up a lot of catches for a lot of yards. Mossi, came on the scene about half way through the season, and showed great explosiveness and quickness. Given the number of quick passes Mazzone calls, this becomes an important position for moving the offense. Ahmaad Harris, may also get some time here. He is a little undersized, but quick.</p>
<p><b>TE (Y)</b></p>
<p>Thomas Duarte had a break out year last year, and in my opinion, would have one a year earlier had the ball gone his way more. Duarte knows how to get open, has excellent hands, can bring down difficult balls, and is fast enough to pile up yards after the catch. His height makes him a great target and difficult to defend. At this point, he should receive the vast majority of playing time at his position, with Mossi moving to the Y sometimes as we saw last year. <span>Tyler Scott</span> is a good blocker, but not the game breaker Duarte and Johnson are. Oh yah, the Bruins will be getting another TE come fall. It is unclear whether <span>Chris Clark</span> will redshirt or not. Given Mora's desire to get talent on the field, Clark may be playing this year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Overall, this group of receivers is very talented, diverse, and has experience. With the additions and all of last year's receivers returning, this should be a much improved receiving corps. Given the depth of this group, it seems likely that most, if not all, of the incoming receiving class will redshirt, unless of course, one of them really stands out. It must also be said that a lot of how well these men perform will depend on how well our quarterback does. <span>Jerry Neuheisel</span>, Josh Rosen, and <span>Asiantii Woulard</span>, each bring something different to the table and the receiver rotation could very well be tied to who is throwing the ball. And who will be throwing the ball? We will leave that discussion for tomorrow.</p>
<p>Extra coverage: Since we didn't get to see them on the field, I thought you might like to see Lasley, Roberts, and Andrews for yourself:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Take a look at <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6Dxq5Tiw48">Jordan Lasley</a>:</p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A6Dxq5Tiw48" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/1rfs5">Austin Roberts</a>:</p>
<p><span><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/180342/highlights/65565376" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p>and <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/24guJ">Darren Andrews</a>:</p>
<p><span><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/497301/highlights/41527373" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p>Spring practice begins in three days!</p>
<p>Have a great day and, as always, ...</p>
<p>Go Bruins!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2015/3/28/8288245/ucla-spring-football-a-look-at-the-receiversuclaluv2015-03-27T10:00:10-07:002015-03-27T10:00:10-07:00UCLA Football Spring Preview: LBs and Secondary
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/isrfpCXbnHb16BSim4zjNBEFV98=/0x176:2274x1692/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45986860/usa-today-8105270.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bruins return to their 80-yard practice field next week for Spring Practice, heading into the 2015 season. Today, Bruins Nation takes a look at the linebackers and defensive backs.</p> <p>At long last, a football article. Means that things are headed towards the UCLA Bruins' first season under Jim Mora without Brett Hundley. Luckily, this is still going to be the most talented roster Jim Mora has ever had.</p>
<p>Yesterday, gbruin kicked things off <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2015/3/26/8286875/ucla-football-spring-preview-o-line-and-d-line" target="_blank">with the OL/DL preview</a> and Bruins Nation will continue looking at the defensive side of the ball today with yours truly looking into the linebacker and defensive back situation heading into Spring Ball.</p>
<p>The Bruins head into 2015 losing perhaps the most underrated defensive player in Pac-12 history in Eric Kendricks along with arguably the most consistent Bruin defender aside from Kendricks in safety/cornerback Anthony Jefferson (as well as Ryan Hofmeister, a steadying force and team captain). Despite this, the Bruins should have one of the most talented groups of defensive backs in the conference and a ton of talent at LB as well.</p>
<p>The Bruins will have a new linebackers coach by title in Scott While, but he was heavily involved with the unit and was promoted from within to fill the void left by Jeff Ulbrich's move to the LB coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Demetrice Martin stays at DBs coach but gets the additional title of Assistant Head Coach (along with what I assume is a cushy little bonus and/or pay raise). The big addition is Tom Bradley at defensive coordinator. Bradley has been one of the best developers of talent at LB for the last 20 years, so expect little drop off or learning curve from the previous regime under Jeff Ulbrich.</p>
<p>Without any further adieu, let us move on to the previews because that is the stuff we all want to hear about.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Linebackers</b></p>
<table style="text-align: center;" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><i>Outside Linebacker/Edge Rusher</i></td>
<td><i>Inside Linebacker</i></td>
<td><i>Inside Linebacker</i></td>
<td><i>Outside Linebacker</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deon Hollins JR</td>
<td>Kenny Young SO</td>
<td>Jayon Brown JR</td>
<td>Myles Jack JR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Isaako Savaiinaea JR</td>
<td>Dwight Williams RS FR</td>
<td>Cameron Judge JR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kenny Orjioke SR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keisean Lucier-South/Rick Wade FR</td>
<td>Josh Woods FR</td>
<td>Cameron Griifin RS FR</td>
<td>Aaron Wallace RS SR</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">On the bright side, UCLA returns three starters in this unit. There is sure-fire 1st round pick Myles Jack for one more season (hopefully two, but I'm going to be realistic before optimistic), Deon Hollins and his 9 sacks, and Kenny Young who broke through late last season and looks to be a steady 3-down type of LB.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Myles Jack will have to step into a huge leadership role with this group after it lost two team captains in Kendricks and Hofmeister. Seeing more of that side of Jack will be interesting to observe. Maturity on the field has been a question at times and that will need to change. He will likely bump over 100 tackles this season with the lost production from EK. Jack is a known quantity, mildly inconsistent at times but one of the most impactful defenders in all of college football. No sense in worrying here, as he'll be a borderline All-American if healthy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hollins is a decent bet to get around double digits in sacks again in 2015 and start getting some hype about his future in the NFL as well. His development was a god-send in 2014. He might have the quickest get-off at the snap of any UCLA defender since Brian Price. More of a DE than a LB, but he is listed where he is listed on the roster.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">UCLA will get physical freak Kenny Orjioke (not sure if he'll get a medical redshirt, so he's listed as a SR) back from injury to bolster the rotation and depth outside, along with the rock solid Aaron Wallace and Isaako Savaiinaea returning. Quality depth is tough to find and the Bruins have that on the outside. Savaiinaea will be one to keep an eye on, as he had in-game experience at ILB as a freshman in 2013 but was moved into basically a DE role in 2014. Could be a candidate to move back to ILB, as could Myles Jack if necessary.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The not bright side is trying to figure out what will happen with the other ILB spot formerly occupied by Eric Kendricks. Technically, Kenny Young should be the one that moves into that role, but there is a massive void left in Kendricks' wake.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My personal belief is that UCLA would be better off in a 4-3 setup with the present talent at hand. Myles Jack is an ideal Will LB (which he essentially does play quite a bit of anyway), Kenny Young at Mike and let talent and situation figure out your Sam LB (primarily only a spot you need for run situations anyway, which suits the whole group of Wallace, Orjioke and Savaiinaea).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I think that scenario is unlikely and, admittedly, UCLA has done a nice job of being a hybrid defense over the years, something not likely to change under Tom Bradley. Bradley has been a coach that adapts to surrounding talent as opposed to forcing talent to adapt to his system, which is always preferable in coaching.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Josh Woods, a 4* ILB from Upland, is enrolling early to participate in Spring Ball, so he will get a boost in perhaps sneaking onto the field as a freshman. Had UCLA been able to close the deal with Roquan Smith, I would probably consider him the favorite for the other LB job.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As of now, I think Jayon Brown will begin the Spring as the starter and it will work itself out from there. Let the cream rise to the top, as it were.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Cameron Judge, Cameron Griffin and Dwight Williams will be interesting to keep an eye on as well. A big developmental jump for any of them would be a boon to the defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Fitting in 5* Keisean Lucier-South and 4* Rick Wade into the equation is also something to consider due to their immense respective talents, though I believe redshirting would be wise for both players in order to develop more physically.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Secondary</b></p>
<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Cornerback</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Safety</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Safety</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Corner</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><i>Third Cornerback</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fabian Moreau SR</td>
<td>Randall Goforth SR</td>
<td>Jaleel Wadood SO</td>
<td>Ishmael Adams RS JR</td>
<td>Marcus Rios RS JR or Priest Willis JR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Denzel Fisher RS FR</td>
<td>Tahaan Goodman JR</td>
<td>Adarius Pickett RS FR</td>
<td>Charles Dawson JR</td>
<td>John Johnson RS SO</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Combs RS JR</td>
<td>Ron Robinson RS FR</td>
<td></td>
<td>Erick Zumwalt RS SR</td>
<td>Jalen Ortiz JR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dechaun Holiday/Colin Samuel FR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>Octavius Spencer/Will Lockett FR</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The secondary is losing an NFL-level player in Anthony Jefferson and is in line to be even better in 2015.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Fabian Moreau may not have delivered on Coach Mora's hyperbole in 2014, but he was an All-Pac-12 performer and steady as hell. No reason to expect that to change in 2015.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Ishmael Adams was targeted quite a bit, but had another solid season and will continue to be an explosive threat to score any time the ball is near his hands.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Nickel corner spot is going to be the most intriguing battle in the secondary. Both Priest Willis and Marcus Rios performed well in 2014, so I have them listed as an either/or instead of picking one. Both will play a bit.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Returning from injury for the 2nd straight season after impressing in Fall Camp is Johnny Johnson. I said this many times, but it bears repeating that he was performing working with the 1st unit as a freshman and looked better than any freshman DB before he was injured in 2013 and was right back in the 2nd group in 2014 before injury. If he can stay on the field, he can break into the rotation.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Jalen Ortiz will also be in the battle, but I do not expect him to be more than quality depth. Also in the mix for depth will be Justin Combs, Erick Zumwalt and Charles Dawson (not sure if he is back at corner or at slot back on offense, flip flopped last Fall). Denzel Fisher will be another guy to keep an eye on, long, physically talented corner in his second year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The safety situation will be intriguing because there are three proven talent back there for two spots.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Randall Goforth will be returning from an injury suffered early in the 2014 season, which was shaping up to be Goforth's best. I have zero reason to expect Goforth to not come back and continue balling out as a starter.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The other spot will be a battle between Jaleel Wadood and Tahaan Goodman. Might not be a more polarizing disparity between two players competing for a spot than between these two. Goodman is a monster in the mold of the Seahawks' secondary, near 6'2" and 200 pounds and cut up from the neck down. Wadood is much smaller (listed at 5'10" but if that were the case then Goodman is about 6'4") and not one of the players that you would pick to come off of the bus first. However, Wadood proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he can contribute at a high level as a true freshman. Expect a lot of improvement from both.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The anticipated return of Adarius Pickett to safety (too much at RB for him to stick) and the development of the already most physically impressive DB in Ron Robinson should make the depth at safety insane as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The four freshmen showing up on campus are immensely talented, but I do not see anyway that one of them can get meaningful reps in this secondary. I would redshirt all four, but this coaching staff likes to get players on the field in some capacity so you cannot write them off right away.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That raps it up for the preview today, keep an eye out for the remainder of the position groups over the next few days.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As always (and it has been far too long since I have gotten to do this), Go Bruins!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2015/3/27/8296773/ucla-football-spring-preview-linebackers-and-secondaryIE Angel2015-03-26T12:13:35-07:002015-03-26T12:13:35-07:00UCLA Football Spring Preview: O Line & D Line
<figure>
<img alt="Rimington Award Candidate Jake Brendel leads the Bruins offensive line" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UxN_LyJoSTPMfcCxexq4DlRhUK0=/232x281:1955x1430/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45974632/usa-today-8121171.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rimington Award Candidate Jake Brendel leads the Bruins offensive line | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>U.C.L.A. Football returns to the field next week and Bruins Nation is taking a look at each position going into spring camp. Today we'll look at the big guys in the trenches, the offensive and defensive lines.</p> <p>Are you ready for some football?!</p>
<p>The U.C.L.A. Bruins will return to Spaulding Field next Tuesday to begin Spring Camp and it will be the first time that Jim Mora and staff will take the field without <span>Brett Hundley</span> at quarterback. So while the Bruins break in a new leader in the backfield, they will rely more than ever on the big guys on both sides of the trenches to control the game. We'll begin our spring previews by looking at those guys on the offensive and defensive lines.</p>
<p><b>Offensive Line</b></p>
<p>For the last couple years I've been doing the O Line previews with a good deal of optimism (this is Bruins Nation after all) and predicting that the returning talent and experience will mean a better offensive line and lead to a better offensive performance than the previous year.</p>
<p>Fool me once, or three times...It hasn't played out as expected, and last year was a perfect example.</p>
<p>In 2014, the Bruins were returning their most experienced O Line in terms of starts and games together, and it seemed reasonable to predict that the O Line play would be a big step up from 2013. Sadly, there was no great leap forward, and it was debatable if the unit was any better from the previous year at all. The O Line did have some good performances and the success of <span>Paul Perkins</span> and the run game can be attributed to that. But the 10 sack disaster against Utah and the anemic offensive performance against Stanford showed the O Line was not the consistent or dominant group it needed to be to make the Bruins a championship caliber team.</p>
<p>So once again the OL returns 4 starters, loses only senior (grad student) <span>Malcolm Bunche</span> and transfer <span>Ben Wysocki</span>, gets a former starting tackle back after a year of recovery from injury, and adds in another year of talented underclassman and one very big JuCo transfer. Prior year's injuries demonstrate again the importance of quality depth, and with a new QB under center that won't have the escapability of Brett Hundley, reliable pass protection will be more important than ever. Will this year finally give us a dominant offensive line? We haven't seen it yet, so all eyes are focused on OL Coach Adrian Klemm.</p>
<p>Oh yeah. Adrian Klemm.</p>
<p>It is unclear if the O Line will have its position coach available when the team hits the field on Tuesday. Klemm was suspended with pay recently when U.C.L.A. self reported suspected recruiting violations. Personally, if he was suspended, there is fire to the smoke. Since it was a suspension with pay, it doesn't sound like the fire is very big. But either way, there has been no sign of impending resolution to this issue, so the status of the highly paid Klemm and the Bruins remains up in the air. And even if/when the Bruins do get Klemm back, there have been legitimate concerns about his ability to fully develop his players on the OL.</p>
<p>So it's unclear who will be calling the shots and spots for the OL through spring and beyond. The good news is that the roster looks very good. The Bruins will return 2014 starters <span>Conor McDermott</span> (left tackle), <span>Alex Redmond</span> (guard), <span>Jake Brendel</span> (center), and <span>Caleb Benenoch</span> (right tackle). <span>Scott Quessenberry</span> looks to be the heir to Brendel's center spot in 2016 and Quiz saw lots of time at guard last year but will likely be unavailable for spring ball after recent surgery.</p>
<p>The Bruins will also gladly welcome a couple tackles, most notably, 2013 starting right tackle <span>Simon Goines</span>. He redshirted 2014 while recovering from injury and surgeries and will look to move back to his right tackle spot, which could allow Benenoch to move to his more natural guard position. The Bruins will also welcome JuCo transfer Zach Bateman on the field, and he will look to challenge McDermott for the all important left tackle position.</p>
<p><span>Najee Toran</span> got the season opening start at right guard for the Bruins in 2014 but his promotion was clearly premature. There has been talk of Toran moving to defensive line so it will be interesting to see what color jersey he wears for spring ball, but for now, we're considering him an offensive lineman.</p>
<p>The Bruins have a number of very promising prospects on the O Line including <span>Poasi Moala</span>, <span>John Lopez</span>, <span>Kenny Lacy</span>, and Kolton Miller, among others. Knowing Coach Mora's disdain for depth charts, here is my partially educated guess on how the depth chart looks going in to spring practice.</p>
<p> </p>
<table width="600" align="center" style="border: 10px solid #3a93c5; height: 150px;" border="10">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Left Tackle</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Left Guard</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Center</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Right Guard</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Right Tackle</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><span>Conor McDermott</span></p>
<p>Jr 6-9 285</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Alex Redmond</p>
<p>Jr 6-5 297</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=207914022&DB_OEM_ID=30500">Jake Brendel</a></p>
<p>Sr* 6-4 290</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Kenny Lacy</p>
<p>So* 6-4 285</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Caleb Benenoch</p>
<p>Jr 6-5 305</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Zach Bateman</p>
<p>Jr 6-7 320</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Najee Toran</p>
<p>So 6-3 275</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208818583&DB_OEM_ID=30500">Scott Quessenberry</a></p>
<p>Jr 6-4 282</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><span>Colby Cyburt</span></p>
<p>Jr* 6-3 265</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Simon Goines</p>
<p>Jr* 6-7 325</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Kolton Miller</p>
<p>So 6-8 300</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>John Lopez</p>
<p>So* 6-5 315</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPSID=749828&SPID=126913">Carl Hulick</a></p>
<p>Jr* 6-2 288</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=207914116&DB_OEM_ID=30500">Sam Tai</a></p>
<p>Sr* 6-3 280</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Poasi Moala</p>
<p>So* 6-4 275</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>John Dewig</p>
<p>So 6-3 310</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Cristian Garcia</p>
<p>So 6-4 315</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Giovani Gentosi</p>
<p>So 6-2 240</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><i>* denotes redshirt</i></p>
<p>The talent and experience are there. Will the development and system finally live up to expectations? The new quarterback is counting on it.</p>
<p>Line wins games.</p>
<p>_____________________________</p>
<p>_____________________________</p>
<p><b>Defensive Line</b></p>
<p>Unlike the inconsistency on the offensive line, the defensive line was a consistent strength for the Bruins in 2104. <span>Eddie Vanderdoes</span>, <span>Kenneth Clark</span>, and <span>Owamagbe Odighizuwa</span> were a formidable unit both in stopping the run and in keeping the linebackers clean to make plays. All three of them were dominant at times during the 2014 season.</p>
<p>Owa will be off to play on Sundays, and it seemed a no-brainer that big <span>Ellis McCarthy</span> would finally step into the starting role alongside Clark and EVD. But to many people's surprise, McCarthy left early for the NFL, and left the Bruins with an empty spot on the D line.</p>
<p>Luckily, D Line coach Angus McClure has done a great job stocking talent in recent years (the incoming 2015 class being the exception in terms of numbers), so he has the enviable chore of having to pick a new starter from a talented crew. McClure is starting off in a great place as Clark and Vanderdoes have proven to be excellent players and can expected to be even better in their upcoming junior years. So much so that there is already concern looking ahead that one or both may have the opportunity to head to the NFL following a successful 2015 season. While that scenario would mean good things on the field this fall, it would also create a major urgency on the recruiting trails this fall as the D Line would be pretty thin if neither stay for their senior years.</p>
<p>But back to the present. Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, <span>Eli Ankou</span>, and Matt Dickerson will be competing for the empty spot on the defensive line, and while each shows a lot of promise, it's too much to expect that any of them can replace Owa's production and effectiveness. Those three are natural defensive linemen, but McClure also may take a close look at Takkarist McKinley. He is the best pass rusher of the group, and probably on the team behind outside linebacker <span>Deon Hollins</span>, and for that reason he may end up playing outside linebacker himself instead of D End. We should get a good idea of new defensive coordinator Tom Bradley's plans for McKinley this spring. <span>Ainuu Taua</span> will also bring some experience and depth to the unit. That's a pretty impressive group of 7 and considering the way McClure rotates players throughout a game, everyone on the two deep will see meaningful snaps during the season. Also, don't be surprised to see offensive lineman Najee Toran taking reps with the D linemen in the spring.</p>
<p>The defense will miss Owa, but the anticipated growth of Clark and EVD may make the D Line an even better unit in 2015 and it could be one of the best starting defensive lines in the country. If this group can keep the opposing O line from winning games, the Bruins will be in very good shape this year.</p>
<p>Also, considering these are all defensive linemen, expect a few touchdown receptions from this group as well.</p>
<p>Here's our projected depth chart for the spring.</p>
<table width="600" align="center" style="border: 10px solid #3a93c5; height: 150px;" border="10">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Defensive End</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Defensive Tackle</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Defensive End</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Eddie Vanderdoes</p>
<p>Jr 6-3 305</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Kenneth Clark</p>
<p>Jr 6-3 308</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Jacob Tuioti-Mariner</p>
<p>Fr* 6-2 262</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Takkarist McKinley</p>
<p>Jr 6-4 230</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Eli Ankou</p>
<p>Jr* 6-3 295</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Matt Dickerson</p>
<p>So 6-4 270</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Ainuu Taua</p>
<p>5-11 296</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><span>Kevin McReynolds</span></p>
<p>Sr* 6-2 300</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><span>Zach Vinci</span></p>
<p>Sr* 6-2 245</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><span>Jake Jones</span></p>
<p>Jr* 6-4 345</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p><span>Thomas Schwab</span></p>
<p>So* 6-3 250</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Taylor Prenovost</p>
<p>6-3 215</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Justin Ritman</p>
<p>6-2 240</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>* denotes redshirt</p>
<p>Stay tuned to BN for further position previews over the coming days as we gear up for the start of Spring Football next week.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS!!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2015/3/26/8286875/ucla-football-spring-preview-o-line-and-d-linegbruin