Spring ball is over, classes have ended, and now is the time of year where college football is nothing but over analysis and early projections. Here is my projection on what the UCLA Bruins offensive depth chart will look like for the August 30th opener at Virginia.
Please note: any incoming freshman that did not take part in Spring Ball is not listed here and could change up the depth chart.
Projected UCLA Bruins Offensive Depth Chart
Offensive Backfield
Quarterback
- Brett Hundley-RS Jr.
- Jerry Neuheisal-RS S0.
- Asianti Woulard-RS Fr.
This is a no-brainer; Brett Hundley is a potential Heisman winner and one of the best QBs in the country, he will be starting August 30th against Virginia. Jerry Neuheisel is listed as the #2, but that is exactly what he is—a backup. He’s is very dependable as a backup but does not have the skill set to be a starter, so if Hundley gets hurt expect #3 Asianti Woulard to start. The Bruins also have redshirt sophomore Mike Fafaul and true freshman Aaron Sharp on the roster.
Running Back
- Jordan James-RS Sr.
- Paul Perkins-RS So.
- Craig Lee-RS Fr.
- Nathan Starks-True Freshman
Another no-brainer for Jim Mora as senior Jordan James will line up in the backfield behind Brett Hundley for the season opener. Paul Perkins will also get a lot of carries, but James will be the primary ball carrier. Expect to see Craig Lee and Nathan Starks get some carries as well. The Bruins also have redshirt juniors Steven Manfro and Melvin Emersibe on the roster.
Receiving Corps
Wide Receiver
- Jordan Payton-Junior
- Devin Lucien- RS Jr.
- Devin Fuller-Junior
- Kenneth Walker-RS So.
- Jalen Ortiz-Sophomore
- Eldridge Massington-RS Fr.
- Darren Andrews-Sophomore
- Roosevelt Davis-RS Jr.
- Tyler Scott-RS Jr.
- Ahmaad Harris-RS So.
- Austin Roberts-Freshman
- Jordan Lasley-Freshman
- Alex Van Dyke-Freshman
A lot of depth and a lot of talent in this crew and they should be able to provide Brett Hundley with some solid targets to throw to. Payton and Lucien will line up outside, while Fuller will be the starter in the slot. Look for the backup slot receiver, Ortiz, to be a big factor, as well as, backup outside receivers Kenneth Walker and Eldridge Massington. Don’t be surprised if freshmen Roberts, Lasley, and Van Dyke redshirt during this campaign. With the amount of WR Noel Mazzone likes to use I would not be surprised if up to 10 receivers are contributors this season.
Tight Ends
- Thomas Durate- Sophomore
- Nate Iese-RS So.
The Bruins are a little light at the TE position as Durate and Iese will have to hold it down for the 2014 season. Durate is coming off a very solid freshman season, so he looks to build off that. Nate Iese is new to the bunch and looks to provide an immediate impact for UCLA.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
- Simon Goines-Junior
- Conor McDermott-RS So.
- Colby Cyburt-RS So.
Torian Whites dismissal from the team was tough news for a unit that might not be all that great this year to begin with. Goines is coming off a broken leg suffered in the season finale last year, but if he is healthy enough he will be the starter at LT. Goines is a leader on this offensive line and looks to build off of his successful 2013 season.
Left Guard
- Malcolm Bunche-Senior
- Kenny Lacy-RS Fr.
- Kevin McReynolds-RS Jr.
- John Lopez-RS Fr.
The transfer from Miami, Bunche, should slide in and fill the hole left by the now Houston Texan Xavier Su’a-Filo. Not much experience behind him, but Lacy is a very highly regarded prospect.
Center
- Jake Brendel-RS Jr.
- Scott Quessenberry-Sophomore
- Najee Toran-Freshman
Brendel along with starting LT Goines are the only offensive linemen who are locks to start. Brendel is a solid as they get and will look to anchor this offensive line. Quessenberry will provide a little depth. Expect the big-bodied Najee Toran to be redshirted this season.
Left Guard
- Alex Redmond-Sophomore
- Carl Hulick-RS. So
- Ben Wysocki-RS Jr.
Alex Redmond got solid playing time as a freshman last year and with Torian Whites dismissal he has an opportunity to start the season as the starting LG. Hulick and Wysocki will provide nice depth.
Left Tackle
- Caleb Benenoch-Sophomore
- Poasi Moala-RS Fr.
- Kolton Miller-Freshman
Caleb Benenoch is sliding over from LG to LT and looks to provide some solid play with some leadership that this unit desperately needs. Goines and Brendel will be the anchors of this line, but Benenoch will be a very solid player. Moala will provide nice depth and Kolton Miller will most likely redshirt this season.
UCLA is expecting big things out of their offense this season. All of the weight lands on All-World QB Brett Hundley, but the receiving corps may be the unsung heros of this team. They are very talented and very fast. If this offensive line can play consistent solid football the sky is the limit for the UCLA Bruins.
It is going to be an exciting season with Pac-12 and National Championship aspirations on the UCLA campus and this offense is going to be a big reason why.
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