2014 Schedule Preview: UCLA Bruins

Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jordon James (6) runs past Nevada Wolf Pack linebacker Jonathan McNeal (50) during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back

What does it say about you when your leading rusher was the quarterback? For many teams it means you don’t have a good stable of running backs. This isn’t necessarily the case with UCLA. The Bruins have talent, although most of that talent is young and unproven. Senior Jordon James was third on the team in rushing with 534 yards. He will probably get the first crack at the starting job. If he can’t shoulder the load, Paul Perkins could fill the void. Perkins rushed for 573 yards. He also had 24 catches, good for a 12.3 yard average. Perkins seems to be more of third down back because of his receiving skills.

Freshman Craig Lee could be a breakout candidate for the Bruins. He had an impressive spring, breaking tackles and showing the kind of speed that hasn’t been seen around Westwood in a long time. True freshman Nathan Starks is a four-star recruit who will most likely redshirt if the other backs can pick up the load.

Texas struggled tackling last season, something Charlie Strong wanted to fix this spring. With apologies to North Texas and BYU, UCLA has the best running backs Texas will have faced in 2014. If the defense can’t stop the run, it will be a long day in Dallas.