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UCLA football 2017: Projected Bruins depth chart

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

Offense

Notable Losses: The Bruins are losing two players who played a big role in their offense last season. Mike Fafaul played the majority of the season as the team’s starting quarterback after Josh Rosen battled injury for much of the year. Connor McDermott anchored the UCLA offensive line and was a sixth-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in the 2017 NFL Draft.

QB: Josh Rosen, junior

The 2017 UCLA Bruins’ season will hinge on the play of Josh Rosen, who burst onto the scene with an incredible Freshman campaign in 2015. Last season, Rosen showed flashes of brilliance early on, but injuries derailed his season. Most expect him to be a top-3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and with both of his play-making wide receivers back, expect a big season from the Junior.

HB: Soso Jamabo, junior

HB: Bolu Olorunfunmi, junior

The running back position is going to be one to watch this Summer, as the team got nothing in terms of a run game in 2016. Soso Jamabo and Bolu Olorunfunmi figure to get a ton of snaps, as does senior Nate Starks. Jamabo led the Bruins in rushing yards last season (321), while Olorunfunmi’s four touchdowns were a team-high. The Bruins will need to get production from all three players if they want to take some of the pressure off of Rosen.

WR: Darren Andrews, senior (RS)

WR: Jordan Lasley, junior (RS)

WR: Eldridge Massington, senior (RS)

The wide receiving group may be one of the best in the Pac-12, as both Darren Andrews and Jordan Lasley played key roles in the offense last season. Andrews was an honorable-mention All Pac-12 selection by the coaches, after leading the team in receiving yards, and receptions. Lasley led the team with five touchdowns, and if Massington can take a step forward in 2017, this unit has the potential to put up some gaudy numbers.

TE: Caleb Wilson, sophomore (RS)

Replacing 2nd team All Pac-12 selection Nate Iese at tight end is going to be tough, but they have a super-talented player taking over in 2017. Caleb Wilson is a transfer from USC and has the pass-catching ability to be a difference-maker in this offense. Expect Wilson to play a big role for the Bruins this season, especially in red zone situations.

LT: Kolton Miller, junior (RS)

LG: Kenny Lacy, senior (RS)

C: Scott Quessenberry, senior (RS)

RG: Najee Toran, senior (RS)

RT: Zach Bateman, senior (RS, transfer)

UCLA returns Scott Quessenberry to the center position in 2017, after the senior earned 1st Team All Pac-12 honors last season. Replacing Connor McDermott is going to be tough, but the program really likes Kolton Miller to be a standout player. This is a veteran lineup, and after struggling last season, they will seriously need to improve if Rosen and company are going to put up points on a consistent basis.

AP: Nate Starks, senior

Nate Starks could very well be the feature back in the Bruins offense this season, as the senior is the kind of runner that is crucial in short-yardage situations. However, we like him to be an all-purpose back for UCLA, coming in during big situations and getting the job done. He is one of the veteran leaders on this roster, and if he has a solid year, the team should follow.

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