UCLA Bruins Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:58 p.m. ET

Fansided, Zach Bigalke/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

The Bruins missed out on the postseason after entering 2016 with high hopes. Which UCLA football players should you watch this spring?

Last year UCLA tumbled to 4-8, suffering the first losing season in Jim Mora's five years as the head coach. Along the way the Bruins lost quarterback Josh Rosen to a shoulder injury midway through the season. The team responded by losing six of its last seven contests and missing out on a bowl game.

With USC rebounding on the other side of town, the window seems to be rapidly closing on the Bruins' chance to regain the upper hand in Los Angeles. That isn't to mention all the other competition in the Pac-12 South. UCLA finds itself at a crossroads, and it could be the last chance to win with the quarterback who came to Westwood amid such high hopes.

Though the offense is almost intact, the defense loses nearly half of its starters from last year. This spring will be critical in helping Mora and his staff determine who can replace players like Eddie Vanderdoes and Takkarist McKinley. Click ahead to see which five players to keep an eye on when UCLA plays its spring game on April 29.

Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Rosen

QB, UCLA

Back in 2015, Josh Rosen was the top-rated quarterback recruit in the country. He could have played anywhere from Florida State to Texas to Notre Dame to Tennessee. He was recruited by crosstown rival USC. But Rosen held firm to the commitment he made the spring before his senior season of high school. His arrival harbored hope that the Bruins were building a consistent powerhouse.

Fortunes, however, have not favored Rosen during his time playing in the Rose Bowl.

As a true freshman, Rosen completed 60 percent of his passes and threw for nearly 3700 yards. The Bruins went 8-5 that year, and he was expected to take a developmental leap in 2016. Instead he made only marginal progress before his shoulder injury prematurely ended his sophomore year.

This spring, it will be interesting to see how many reps Rosen receives with the offense as he continues to recover. Watch to see whether Mora gives him any substantial playing time in the spring game.

September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Soso Jamabo (9) runs the ball for a touchdown against the UNLV Rebels during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Soso Jamabo

RB, UCLA

In recent years, the Bruins have been terrible at running the ball. Even given that fact, the 2016 edition was especially abysmal. Soso Jamabo led the team with just 321 rushing yards over the whole season.

For Rosen and the passing game to be able to generate any momentum, the offense needs one of the backs to step up and produce consistently. Entering his junior year, the Bruins will live or die on offense by whether Jamabo realizes the talent that made him a top-five recruit in 2015.

No other runner on the roster has the same level of raw talent and breakout potential as Jamabo. Nate Starks enters his senior season having never evolved into anything but a change-of-pace option. Bolu Olorunfunmi is in the same boat as a junior. The freshman who were tested last year were largely uninspiring.

Thus it will be important to see how Jamabo develops this spring, and how well he manages to run in the spring game. UCLA's fortunes could hinge on his performances in 2017.

Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Rick Wade (90) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Wade

DL, UCLA

The defense suffered the greatest attrition from last season, and Tom Bradley will need to find replacements as soon as possible. The defensive line loses starters Takkarist McKinley and Eddie Vanderdoes. Beyond that, the team also loses depth in players like Deon Hollins and Eli Ankou.

That puts an impetus on finding solid defensive linemen, and that means Bradley will lean on players with experience like Rick Wade to take on an even bigger role.

Wade, a redshirt sophomore, saw his first action last year in limited relief and on special teams. He managed to amass 21 tackles and a sack in his brief moments of playing time. Having observed the talent on last year's team, Wade will likely be thrust into a bigger role this year to sink or swim.

That makes this spring especially important for his development. Be sure to keep an eye on how he performs against the offense in the spring game, and whether he can get consistently into the backfield.

Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Lasley

WR, UCLA

The receiving corps will be a bit thinner this year with the departure of Darren Andrews and Kenneth Walker. But Jim Mora can at least take relief in the fact that his second-leading receiver from 2016, Jordan Lasley, will be back.

After several years learning the ropes, Lasley broke out last season with 620 receiving yards and five touchdowns, including two against rival USC. With his main counterparts from last year no longer on the team, though, the pressure will be on Lasley.

Interestingly, the majority of Lasley's production last year came when Mike Fafaul rather than Rosen was throwing the football.

This spring will provide an opportunity for Lasley to begin building a rapport with Rosen as both enter what is likely their final year with the Bruins. Keep an eye on whether they manage to connect against a solid defense in the spring game. If UCLA is going to have a chance of rebounding from 2016, they will need Lasley to grow into a primary threat in the passing game.

Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) carries the ball as UCLA Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown (12) and defensive back Nate Meadors (22) move in for the tackle during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Meadors

DB, UCLA

Last year the Bruins fielded one of the top secondaries in the country. Ranked seventh in pass efficiency defense, tied for eighth in passing touchdowns allowed, and second nationally in opponent passing yards per completion, UCLA stifled even the potent passing attacks of the Pac-12.

But with Randall Goforth, Fabian Moreau, Tahaan Goodman, and Marcus Rios all graduating, the defense has its work cut out to reproduce such dominant numbers.

That's where Nate Meadors comes into the picture. In his first two years with the Bruins he has split time in reserve at both cornerback and safety. Last year as a sophomore, Meadors earned eight starts and finished tenth on the team in total tackles despite missing three games.

Watch to see how he and safety Adarius Pickett collaborate during this year's spring game. UCLA must maintain its stoutness against the pass to harbor any dark-horse dreams of contending in the Pac-12 this year.