2018 College Football Team Previews: UCLA Bruins

UCLA Bruins 2018 Football Preview

Opening Statement: UCLA did the thing most uncharacteristic of this program that they have ever done after last season. Not only did they fire Jim Mora, which was not that amazing, but they did not hesitate to hire a coach that everyone knows could change the profile of this program forever when they did the unthinkable and hired Chip Kelly. The Bruins finally got their second attempt to hire outside the Bruins family right, but to expect too much too soon would be a major mistake. Kelly was a grand slam hire, but the mistakes of the Mora era will need time to correct, and this season may just be a year about building a foundation rather than gunning for anything bigger. Time is needed here.

Breakdown Offense: Josh Rosen, love him or otherwise, has moved on to the NFL. That leaves a major opening at QB, but there are several options here, only a few of which make actual sense. Devon Modster started in place of Rosen last season when Rosen was injured (again). He showed flashes at times of being able to handle the offense, but what plays into his strengths is that he really fits a Chip Kelly offense much better than a Jedd Fisch offense. He passed for 671 yardswith 4 TDs and no INTs last season in 5 games, and completed 64.6% of his passes. With some specialized work, he could be even better in 2018. Wilton Speight is a grad transfer from Michigan, but he fits better in a Fisch offense than a Kelly offense. Kelly's offense is adaptable to the QB who starts in the system, but Speight may just be a fish out of water here. Still, he had some solid success in the W/L column at Michigan before getting hurt, so he could be a spot filler for the time being if needed. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is an incoming freshman who will not be on campus until August, and was a huge get for the program. He stayed on after Mora was fired, because he is perfectly suited for what Kelly does at the QB spot. Still, he will be a true freshman, and will need to blow someone away in fall camp to secure the job, but for now, he is projected as the QB of the future. Matt Lynch and Austin Burton are really career backups, and if either were to win the job, it would be a major shock.
The Bruins have been a disaster on the ground, and Kelly spent a ton of time in the spring trying to find ways to improve the RB unit. Bolu Olorunfunmi and Soso Jamabo returnas the two primary backs, but there will be some youth coming into fall camp that could push them, along with returning back Brandon Stephens. Martell Irby and Kazmeir Allen will be coming to town in the fall, and should push for some major playing time, as nobody on the current roster has done anything to lock down any jobs at this point.
The Bruins lost some serious talent at WR after last season, but talent still remains. Theo Howard has not been able to break free just yet, but showed in Kelly's offense that he has immense potential to explode this season. He caught 56 passes last season, and could well eclipse that mark as the new leader at the position heading into 2018. Christian Pabico came out of nowhere last fall, and slowly became a favorite, and should expand on his experience last season as a walk-on. Demetric Felton has immense potential, and Audie Otomosho will come on board to push for some time this fall as well. Dymond Lee should start in the third slot, and freshman Chase Cota will push him for time.
Once healthy, Caleb Wilson should be one of the better TEs in the nation for the Bruins, but is still recovering from a foot injury. Devin Asiasi and Jordan Wilson provide excellent depth at the position.
The line could be the undoing of everything if they cannot find a mix that works, which has been a problem ongoing for 2 years now. Andre James and Jake Burton are slotted in at the OT spots for now, with Josh Wariboko-Alali and Michael Alves at the OG spots. Boss Tagiloa moved over from the D line to work out at C in the spring, and he could end up starting there through fall camp. Alec Anderson is a key OT reserve, while Chris Murray brings some help as a reserve at OG. Some talented freshman come in for fall camp, but again, they are freshmen.

Breakdown Defense: The Bruins were anemic on defense last fall, allowing 36.6 points per game, and will be an area that Kelly will have to have his staff focus hard on in fall camp. The defense got progressively worse over the last 3 years before bottoming out last season, and holes need filling.
On the line, the Bruins will switch to a 3-4 look this fall. Rick Wade comes in at DE, and is the most experienced starter coming back up front. Chigozie Nnoruka leads the way at the other DE spot. Ose Odighizuwa will be back, and will start at NT heading into fall. Marcus Moore could push for a starting job at DE, while Martin Andrus will try to bring some depth outside as well. Moses Robinson-Carr will try to work his way into the rotation inside.
Jaelan Phillips will switch from straight up DE to EDGE, and that could play right into his untapped athleticism. He had some injury issues last fall, but could explode to become the next Anthony Barr in 2018. Keisean Lucier-South will start outside at LB, while Josh Woods and Krys Barnes project as post spring starters inside. Mique Juarez and Rahyme Johnson left spring as the primary reserves at EDGE and OLB, while Brandon Burton and Tyree Thompson look to push for time inside. Several of the LBs had injury issues in the spring and will hope to be up to par in the fall. Thompson is a JC transfer who made a huge impact during the spring, and may push his way into a starting spot.
The Bruins have a secondary, that if it finds its footing, could be one of the best in the conference. Darnay Holmes and Nate Meadors both return to start at CB, and Adarius Pickett could be one of the best Safeties in the nation this fall. Quentin Lake is the quiet player of the bunch as he does not get the attention the others do, but he is a quality piece at Safety. Elijah Gates and Mo Osling bring in quality depth at CB, while Jaylen Shaw and Will Lockett are potential long term starters at Safety if needed.

Breakdown Special Teams: JJ Molson is back at PK after showing some improvements last season for the Bruins. His career has largely been inconsistent, but he showed signs in spring that he is ready to be the clutch kicker they need. Stefan Flintoft could be one of the most dangerous punters in the PAC-12 in 2018 after taking over as the starter during the 2017 season.

Final Analysis: The Bruins are a work in progress for Chip Kelly and his staff, but the work is happening, and improvement will come, even if it may be tough to see in ways this season. Do not expect too much of this football team in 2018, but enjoy the ride as you continue to see the blocks that Kelly will put in place as this team moves in his direction. A bowl game is not out of the question this season, but with so many pieces to move, and so much to build, a division title would be a pipe dream. Take what you get in year one, and just enjoy the ride.