UCLA TRAINING CAMP: 7 BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
With UCLA training camp entering its second week, here's a look at seven breakout candidates for the 2022season (in alphabetical order):
Kazmeir Allen, WR/RB: Allen is among the most versatile players on the Bruins' roster. He's listed as a receiver for the first time after four years as a running back. With a chunk of last season's offensive production gone, Allen will have more opportunities to make plays. He'll also serve as a key component in the return game. He's shown what he can do in small doses, but if he can contribute the way he did against USC (278 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns on seven touches), the offense will become even more dynamic. Jake Bobo, WR: The Duke transfer has the potential to be the No. 1receiver for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the offense this season. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound receiver was a team captain for the Blue Devils and was a third-team All-ACC selection last year. He had 74 catches for 794 yards (ninth in the ACC). Bobo averaged 66.17 yards per game last year, and similar production this season would help fill the void of the Bruins' top two targets from 2021: Kyle Philips and Greg Dulcich, each of whom averaged more than 60 yards per game.
Kenny Churchwell III, DB: Churchwell is someone the Bruins are excited about in the secondary this season. While he's been with the program for four years, he was off the field for two of those seasons. After sitting out during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he returned to contribute
in all 12games for UCLA in 2021. He earned one start at safety against Stanford but had his biggest game the week prior against Fresno State (four tackles, one interception). Michael Ezeike, TE: Tight end has been a productive position in the Bruins' offense recently, and with Greg Dulcich now playing for the Denver Broncos, the starting role is open. Ezeike has game experience but not much to show for it statistically. That could change drastically this season with Thompson-Robinson returning at quarterback. Coach Chip Kelly has used multiple tight ends in his offense before, so there's plenty of room for others to contribute at the position. Devin Kirkwood, DB: The true sophomore is primed for a starting role this season after playing 12games as a reserve last year behind an experienced group. The former Gardena Serra High standout had 23 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception in 2021.
Darius Muasau, LB: The Hawaii transfer has all the potential to be a much-needed impact player this season after the Bruins lost nine of their top 12tacklers from last season. Muasau had 109total tackles (14for a loss) and seven sacks in 2021 and also tied for second in the nation with five forced fumbles. Muasau said he is still learning the defense, under first-year defensive coordinator Bill McGovern, but he is applying his past experience to take on a leadership role among the linebackers with Bo Calvert. Gabriel and Grayson Murphy, DL: There's been a lot of anticipation surrounding the North Texas transfers, who could be plugged into the defensive front and help make up for lost production that helped make the run defense the most consistent facet of the Bruins' defense last season. The duo combined for 90 tackles and 15.5 sacks for North Texas last season.