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The roster evolution at tight end for the UCLA Bruins is something that’s pretty interesting. In 2015, when Noel Mazzone was UCLA’s offensive coordinator, Colby Cyburt was the only tight end listed on the roster. In 2016, there were guys being moved from other positions to help fill the role. Now, the roster is so stocked with true tight ends that this year’s newcomers will more than likely end up redshirting.
Let’s look at the personnel changes to this unit.
Personnel Changes
Who’s Gone: Austin Roberts left for the NFL after last season and signed with the LA Chargers as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL on Saturday and will miss this season. Promising tight end Jimmy Jaggers medically retired due to multiple concussions while Alex Rasool is no longer on the roster without explanation.
Who’s New: Matt Alaimo from North Jersey powerhouse St. Joseph Regional makes the trip to Westwood while David Priebe from Waco, Texas also makes a long trip to play for the Bruins. Walk-on Greg Dulcich will join them too, but he’s a local guy from Glendale.
Here’s the complete tight end roster.
2018 UCLA Football Tight End Roster
| # | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | Year |
| 33 | Drew Platt | TE | 6-2 | 230 | R-Fr. |
| 48 | Connor Beadles | TE | 6-2 | 230 | R-Fr. |
| 81 | Caleb Wilson | TE | 6-4 | 235 | R-Jr. |
| 82 | Matt Alaimo | TE | 6-4 | 220 | Fr. |
| 83 | David Priebe | TE | 6-6 | 230 | Fr. |
| 85 | Greg Dulcich | TE | 6-3 | 210 | Fr. |
| 86 | Devin Asiasi | TE | 6-3 | 250 | R-So. |
| 87 | Jordan Wilson | TE | 6-4 | 250 | R-So. |
Having five guys who have all used their redshirt year on the roster for a position which puts a max of two guys on the field at a time means that the true freshmen will probably redshirt as well.
Projected Depth Chart
John Mackey Award nominee Caleb Wilson looks to be the starter while Devin Asiasi and Jordan Wilson will be next on the depth chart. Expect the duo to battle it out in Fall Camp for the second tight end spot. Since it’s not likely that UCLA will run many tight end sets, look for the number two tight end to serve the dual role of Caleb Wilson’s backup and the other tight end for the tight formations which require a second tight end. The loser of the battle between Asiasi and Jordan Wilson will be the third tight end. Should the team ever need a fourth or fifth tight end, then Drew Platt and Connor Beadles will come into play.
Go Bruins!!!