UCLA Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

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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 /

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.

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