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UCLA Football: 5 freshmen who could have instant impacts in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 17: A general view of a UCLA Bruins helmet during the game between the Bruins and the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 17: A general view of a UCLA Bruins helmet during the game between the Bruins and the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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UCLA football has plenty of young talent on its roster, but which five freshmen, redshirt or not, will have instant impacts in 2017?

Following up a disappointing 2016 season, UCLA football is hoping to utilize young talent on the roster to improve the Bruins not only right away, but in the long-term. Jim Mora has been a solid recruiter during his time with the program, but after the 2016 season in which the team finished 4-8, many are questioning his ability to develop the talent he brings in.

Moreover, there are plenty of fans and members of the media who are putting him in the middle of the “hot seat” talk for 2017 and he is facing a make-or-break season. Can he rebound to bring the Bruins back into the Pac-12 title conversation?

There’s no doubt about it, he has the talent in place. The Bruins were without their starting quarterback, Josh Rosen, for six games in 2016, which led to much of the struggles. However, the team was only 3-3 with him healthy.

Things need to turn around quickly, but which five freshmen, redshirt or not, can have an instant impact in 2017 to assist in the bounce-back effort?

Outside of Takkarist McKinley, UCLA’s defensive line had a tough time getting to opposing quarterbacks last season. Outside of returning linebacker Kenny Young, the next-highest sack total was three by returning tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner. That’s not a recipe for success and it adds extra pressure to the secondary.

Add big Greg Rogers to the mix at defensive tackle and you might just have yourself a first-year breakout star. The freshman tackle stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at about 305 pounds. He is the ideal size for an interior lineman and has impressive strength as well.

The former Under Armour All-American was ranked the No. 124 overall player and eighth-best defensive tackle in the 2017 class, according to the 247Sports composite. He will have an immediate impact on the defensive line.

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