UCLA Football Preview: Interview with Nick Ekbatani

I had the great pleasure and fortune, during the off-season, of sitting down with former UCLA Football player Nick Ekbatani to talk about the Bruins’ prospects for the 2014-15 season. You may recall that Nick was an offensive lineman who played at UCLA between 2006 and 2009. He has since worked as a college football recruiting analyst for ESPN, and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration program. Below in bold are my questions to Nick, with his answers immediately following.

The Bruins’ regular season home opener is tomorrow at 7 p.m. against Memphis. You can also find my first 2014-15 season preview article for the UCLA Football program up on LA Sports Hub, and I will have a final season preview article up before next weekend’s game against Texas.

-How do you believe new that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will compensate for the loss of Anthony Barr to the NFL Draft? Do you believe that there’s any player on the roster capable of stepping into his shoes on the defensive line?

“Anthony is obviously a tough player to replace. But there is a plethora of young talent that have the potential to be big time–a guy I’ve fancied since I first encountered him while evaluating prep linemen for ESPN is Eddie Vanderdoes. He played admirably as a true freshman. Has  high ceiling for growth.”

Nov 30, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) celebrates with defensive end Ellis McCarthy (90) after sacking Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

-Given the focus that the team has put on recruiting in the secondary the past two off-seasons, and with reports from Spring practices suggesting that the secondary looks deep and dynamic, will the defensive scheme need to be adjusted in any way to account for the fact that the defense’s strength appears to have moved from the front-end to the back-end?

“That’s a job for Coach Mora and company, and I’m confident they will find the best fit for the best chance of success. If you’re aware of trends, one might have noticed by now that this staff doesn’t try to fit square pegs in round holes. They do a good job of giving each player the best chance to succeed, whether it’s Anthony Barr switching sides and becoming an All-American, or Myles Jack racking up rushing yards as a running back. They’ll find the best scheme.”

-Reports from Spring practices had also indicated that the wide receiver corps appears to be deep and full of talent—who do you believe will emerge as Brett Hundley’s #1 target with Shaq Evans graduating before next season?

“Hundley does a great job spreading the ball around and he has plenty of viable targets. Devin Fuller, Devin Lucien, and Jordan Payton are all guys with tremendous upside and experience.”

-The offensive line was pretty much a disaster last season outside of Xavier Su’a-Filo, who was also lost to the NFL Draft, and first-year tackle Caleb Benenoch—how can the team compensate for Su’a-Filo’s loss and rebuild the line? Do you expect Caleb Benenoch to take the next step in developing as a premier offensive tackle? Is there anyone else you expect to emerge as a stalwart on the line, such as transfer Malcolm Bunche?

“It’s not easy starting three true freshmen up front. But rest assured that the offensive line is dependent on experience and chemistry–both of which have been established with the abundance of true freshmen earning their stripes up front the past two seasons. I’m actually awfully excited about the O-line. So much depth and experience. The growing pains of the past couple seasons will pay off his season. Xavier is a special player, and his leadership will be missed–but these guys have been playing together the past couple years and I’m confident they will continue to gel and execute at a high level.”

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) prepares to throw the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

-What are your expectations for Brett Hundley? Do you believe that he made the right decision by staying at UCLA for one more season? Do you believe that he can be a top-5 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft? Are there any specific areas you believe that he needs to improve in during this upcoming season?

“I believe he made an incredible decision which will benefit himself and UCLA tremendously. He’s only going to grow and continue to make plays. I might be biased, but I think he is the most exciting player in the country and is no question a future NFL franchise player. I think he struggled throwing while on the run and making decisions under pressure–both attributes that only experience, reps, and time will improve. By coming back, he is ensuring the potential for a VERY special season for UCLA as well as giving himself the best chance to grow and improve, thus making himself an even more appealing draft prospect.”

-Any thoughts on who will emerge as the #1 running back? Would you like to see Myles Jack continue to get carries in specific offensive sets/packages, or do you think he should be allowed to develop as a linebacker only?

“In my humble opinion, I believe the notion of a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ exists. A talent like Jack should be allowed to develop at the position that serves him best. But he is certainly capable of multitasking, as he proved last season. I thought [Paul] Perkins was a lot of fun to watch and he’ll continue to excel. A healthy Jordon James won’t hurt either.”

-What are your thoughts on Head Coach Jim Mora? What is it about him specifically that makes him such a great fit for the UCLA Bruins? Is the current level of excitement in Westwood the highest it’s been since you’ve followed, or been involved with, UCLA football? Do you notice any obvious differences from when you played at UCLA?

“I think Coach Mora is the best thing to happen to UCLA Football in a long time. Each young man on this team knows that he has the player’s backs, regardless of their role on the team. He has instilled an attitude that has essentially eradicated the whole ‘gutty little Bruin’ mentality. This team is confident, incredibly close, and diligent. They play with the intention of winning, of dominating–yet they remain humble. I believe this will be the best season UCLA Football has ever had–much of it directly attributable to what Coach Mora has done in Westwood.”

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

-What are your overall expectations for the team in 2014? Do you believe that they have a realistic shot of competing for the new College Football Championship?

“Yes. I am a believer and would in fact be very surprised if they weren’t playing for the big prize in January. The planets align for the Bruins in 2014. CHAMPIONS MADE HERE!”