UCLA Has A Golden Opportunity In 2015
By Damon Taylor
In spite of the disappointing season in 2014, UCLA will still have the opportunity to win the PAC-12 championship by taking a page out of Stanford Cardinal playbook.
Expectations are just as high in 2015 as they were in 2014.
In addition, a CBS Sports report has the program ranked 10th in the country and that’s only a few positions lower then last season which was 7th.
First off, to vie in the PAC-12 conference, one must have a quarterback that can flourish under pressure and make plays.
However, having a great run game will open doors for any quarterback.
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Moreover, there is a QB competition between Jerry Neuheisel and freshman quarterback Josh Rosen.
Whoever starts at quarterback for UCLA, will have the opportunity to have a guy like Paul Perkins lined up behind them.
Perkins, in my opinion is one of the better running backs in the country — and if anyone, he is a guy that UCLA should give the ball to at least 300 times in 2015.
He has that combo of speed, power and is a threat receiving out the backfield.
Also, Perkins is a guy that is the best running back in the conference.
For instance, Perkins led the Pac-12 in rushing yards last season with over 1500 and 9 touchdowns.
He saved his most prolific game for the Alamo Bowl against Kansas State.
Perkins recorded 194 rushing yards on 20 carries and 2 touchdowns.
With a threat in the backfield like Perkins, both Neuheisel and Rosen can exploit countless defenses in 2015.
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Perkins is also on the watch list for the Walter Camp award.
We all know that ageless saying, offense wins games while defense wins championships, anyway.
The offense for UCLA have a few questions marks at the QB position but defensively, this team has the talent to dominate on that side of the ball.
Myles Jack is the leader of that UCLA defense and he is “Mr. Do it all” or “Mr. Versatile”.
Jack is like an ox on both sides of the ball; he is a load to deal with for opposing offensive players and linebackers.
Offensively, he is a bruiser as well. If you want to know what it feels like to be hit by a freight train then get in this guys way.
He usually comes in on short yardage and goal line situations. As a matter of fact, in his freshmen season he recorded 7 rushing touchdowns.
Jack will have a tremendous season on the defensive side of the ball.
I think he should be restricted offensively like he was in 2014. He is valued for this great UCLA defense.
Jack is also on the watch list for the Walter Camp (player of the year) and Butkus award (top line backer) to name a few of watch list he is on.
The secondary will be lead by two men that have heaps of talent.
Let’s start with the more versatile player Ishmael Adams.
He is the elephant in the room with loads of swagger.
Adams has the speed and play-making capabilities to make an impact every Saturday.
Lastly, Fabian Moreau is the better-untainted corner back of the two.
Yes, he had growing pains in 2014 but “without struggle there is no progress” says the great Fredrick Douglass.
Bottom Line: Change is coming to college football.
He is a spot-on lock down corner. Look out for him to have a prodigious season in 2015.
Both Moreau and Adams are on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe award.