UCLA Football: Running Backs Ready to Emulate Last Season's Productivity for Bruins

It will be an uphill battle to replicate 2022's success

The upcoming season holds a fresh look for the UCLA Bruins, particularly in the backfield. Amidst the buzz of the highly anticipated quarterback showdown – a spectacle that captures college football enthusiasts – another contest awaits: the battle for supremacy in the running back ranks.

UCLA's running back ensemble is a marvel to behold, potentially ranking among the most robust in the nation. The challenge, however, rests in selecting the standout. With five exceptional contenders vying for the coveted RB1 spot, the task weighs on the shoulders of head coach Chip Kelly and his team. Amidst this fierce competition, Kelly maintains a pragmatic perspective, believing that the tussle will eventually find its resolution.

“It’ll take care of itself,” said coach Chip Kelly. “We’re right where we need to be right now.”

(via Daily Bruin)

There's a vacancy left by star running back Zach Charbonnet, who ventured into the NFL. Yet, as a collective force, UCLA's running back unit has the potential to shine. At the same time, some players take time to adapt to Coach Kelly's spread offense, like redshirt junior Anthony Adkins. 

“The biggest learning curve is just the speed of the game,” Adkins said. “Triple option is relatively slow sometimes, but coming out here, coming to a spread offense – the biggest difference is the speed of things.”

(via Daily Bruin)

Replicating or surpassing UCLA's remarkable six yards per carry average – a feat that topped the nation in 2022 will be a tough challenge. However, with talents like Carson Steele, TJ Harden, Colson Yankoff, and Deshun Murrell in the mix, the odds are promising.

We'll find out soon enough about the depth chart order, but regardless, they should still be among the best in the country.