UCLA football: 3 breakout candidates for the 2023 season

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: J. Michael Sturdivant #7 of the California Golden Bears catches a pass in front of Steve Stephens IV #7 of the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of an NCAA football game at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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California wide receiver J.Michael Sturdivant (7) makes a catch for a touchdown as Notre Dame defensive back Cam Hart (5) chases him during the Notre Dame vs. California NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.Notre Dame Vs California /

J.Michael Sturdivant not only has one of the most interesting names in the country but he also has an elite skill set that’s going to transfer from one Pac-12 program to another.

Sturdivant started his playing career at Cal, committing to the Golden Bears as a top-150 prospect in the 2021 class from Texas.

After playing in three games with no catches in 2021, Sturdivant had a strong 2022 season with 65 catches for 755 yards and seven touchdowns. While that can probably be considered a “breakout” season for most players, I don’t think he’s even scratched the surface. He’s going to become a star on a national level and potentially push for All-American status by the end of the year.

There’s no doubt about it, Sturdivant has the potential to be the best receiver of the Chip Kelly era at UCLA and he should easily be the team’s go-to pass-catcher.

It all depends on who is throwing him the ball.

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