UCLA Football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for Bruins in 2023

Carson Steele

UCLA football has done a great job of adding talent in the transfer portal under Chip Kelly and the Bruins made one of the most underrated moves of the offseason by adding former Ball State running back Carson Steele.

One thing that made UCLA football so successful last season was a really good rushing attack led by Zach Charbonnet. He’s off to the NFL but behind an offensive line that should be solid once again in 2023, Steele has a big opportunity.

Last season for Ball State, he was super productive rushing for 1,556 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. He also averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

Steele is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds and built sort of like Charbonnet. He’s also a pretty reliable receiver with 41 receptions in two seasons with the Cardinals for 323 yards and two touchdowns. He’s got 22 total touchdowns in two seasons and while he won’t be carrying the load by himself for the Bruins, don’t be surprised at all if he runs for 1,000 yards in 2023.