UCLA Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Soso Jamabo #9 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball to score on a 23-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at the Rose Bowl on September 10, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

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While UCLA has guys like Darren Andrews and Eldridge Massington returning to start at wide receiver, former four-star recruit Theo Howard could fight for, and win, that third starting wide out spot. He has the talent and potential to overtake junior Massington as Jordan Lasley and Andrews were top two in receiving for 2016.

Howard was the No. 108 overall recruit in the 2016 class and regarded as one of the top-15 receivers in the nation, according to 247Sports. He wasn’t exactly expected to come in and start right away, but he did get some valuable playing time as a true freshman.

In fact, he finished his first year with the Bruins by catching 12 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. He was only 10th on the team in receiving, but with departing pieces ahead of him, he’s expected to grow into more of a contributor’s role. Heck, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him start sooner rather than later.

The sophomore receiver stands 6-foot- and 180 pounds, but he makes up for that lack of height with speed. He can be a go-to target for Rosen this season.

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