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UCLA Football: Top 5 spring 2019 breakout candidates

By Connor Muldowney

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 20: Demetric Felton #10 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with teammates Joshua Kelley #27 and Devin Asiasi #86 after Felton scored a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA college football at the Rose Bowl on October 20, 2018 in Pasadena, California. The Bruins defeated the Wildcats 31-30. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 20: Demetric Felton #10 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with teammates Joshua Kelley #27 and Devin Asiasi #86 after Felton scored a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA college football at the Rose Bowl on October 20, 2018 in Pasadena, California. The Bruins defeated the Wildcats 31-30. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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The 2019 season is right around the corner, but UCLA football is currently focused on spring practices. Which Bruins could break out for this spring?

Can UCLA and Chip Kelly turn things around quickly and avoid another bowl-less season? With the talent returning to the roster for 2019, the answer should be a resounding yes.

Kelly has experience leading teams to the national spotlight and with the resources he has at UCLA, there are no excuses. It may not happen overnight, but this team has what it takes to make it back to the postseason.

It all starts with a strong spring and this team has to get some production from lesser-known players.

Which Bruins could break out this spring?

Elijah Gates actually picked UCLA over Chip Kelly’s former program Oregon as part of the Bruins’ 2017 class but little did the former four-star know he’d be playing for the ex-Duck coach.

In his first season, Gates earned a redshirt and then Kelly took over and the freshman split time at cornerback with Nate Meadors. He finished the season seventh on the team in total tackles with 38 to go along with an interception and three passes defended. He lived up to his recruiting hype in his first year of live action and set himself up for a starting job in 2019.

This is a big spring for Gates especially with Meadors now gone. A battery of Darnay Holmes and Gates could be a nightmare for opponents and I truly believe this kid is on the verge of All-Pac-12 honors.

Gates is only getting better and that starts with a strong spring.

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