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UCLA Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 08: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins walks the sidelines before the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 08: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins walks the sidelines before the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Quite possibly, actually more like most likely, the biggest recruiting victory for Mora has been the commitment of five-star defensive end Jaelan Phillips. He was ranked the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2017 class, according to the 247Sports composite, and he’s expected to play right away for the Bruins.

Not only will Phillips play as a true freshman, but he’s expected to start. He’s projected to be a No. 1 defensive end for the Bruins along with sophomore Rick Wade. There’s no reason to hold Phillips back as he has the potential to be an All-Pac-12 first-teamer by the end of the season.

Moreover, Phillips looks the part of a star defensive end at the collegiate level. Although he’s just months removed from high school, he’s built like a beast. He stands about 6-foot-5.5 and weighs in at roughly 265 pounds. He’s one of the most highly-touted recruits in recent memory and is arguably the most physically-gifted defender the Bruins have.

Last season, the defense was ranked in the middle-of-the-pack nationally, allowing over 170 rushing yards and nearly 400 total yards. Phillips can help clog up the run game and get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Don’t sleep on him as a Freshman All-American.

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