UCLA Football: 5 reasons to be optimistic about 2019 season

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Running back Joshua Kelley #27 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball down the field during the second half of a football game at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

3. Joshua Kelley and Co. return

One of the most notable returners on the offense is senior running back, Joshua Kelley. In 2018, Kelley started nine of the 11 games in which he played. Six of those games resulted in over 100-yards rushing. With this type of explosiveness and elusiveness, a read-option style of offense should be exceptionally rewarding, given Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s’ ability to keep the ball himself and run.

Additionally, the Bruins had to rely upon a handful of inexperienced freshman and sophomores on the offense line, especially after injuries. Many of those younger players saw real-game playing time last season, better preparing them for the future.

Lastly, the Bruins return kicker, J.J. Molson. Although some may say, “he’s just a kicker”, he is a very good kicker. He missed only five field goals last season, three of which were from beyond 52 yards. Year after year, we see college kickers miss and change the narrative of the game, or even the season. Having a reliable kicker is more important than many recognize.

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