1. Team Eddie:
Eddie Vanderdoes’ full clearance to compete with UCLA this season provides Notre Dame fans with something to gripe about almost as much as it provides a short-staffed defensive line with another viable option at either tackle or end. The U.S. Army All-American recorded more than 70 tackles in his senior year at Placer High School in Auburn, Calif. Vanderdoes’ physical condition amid the National Letter of Intent appeal, as well as how he stacks up with other UCLA defensive linemen remain two important questions heading into San Bernardino.
2. Secondary, Primary Concern:
Whether to graduation (Aaron Hester, Sheldon Price, Andrew Abbott), team rules violations (Tevin McDonald) or medical retirement (Dietrich Riley), UCLA’s secondary has been left decimated heading into the season. Possible starters that return to the roster include sophomore cornerback Ishmael Adams and sophomore safety Randall Goforth, who started five games last season. Redshirt junior Anthony Jefferson also has an opportunity to earn a spot after a strong showing in spring, but will be tested by a slew of incoming defensive backs, including Priest Willis, Tahaan Goodman, Johnny Johnson Jr. and Tyler Foreman.
3. Running Back Roundtable:
While equally uncertain about who has the upper hand in the running back competition, coach Jim Mora said at Pac-12 media day on July 26 that he can at least find solace in the fact that all candidates for the job have carried the ball in a game situation, with the exception of freshman Craig Lee and redshirt freshman Paul Perkins. While the best downhill runner of the bunch will likely be given a look, Mora said one of his primary concerns is blocking precision, which will be essential in keeping Brett Hundley – sacked 52 times last season – upright.
4. UCLA’s O-Line Chameleon:
The positioning of UCLA’s top offensive lineman, junior Xavier Su’a-Filo, will be a strong indicator as far as the progress of the rest of the line. Mora said that he prefers Su’a-Filo, an AP third-team All-America selection at guard last year, to play guard, but will stick him at left tackle to protect Hundley’s blindside if no consistent talent emerges. Expect last year’s starters at tackle – sophomore Simon Goines and redshirt sophomore Torian White — to begin fall camp as starting tackles once again, but that could change quickly if O-line coach Adrian Klemm and Mora are not satisfied, as Su’a-Filo and seven freshman offensive linemen won’t be too far away.
5. Locke to Covington:
For the better part of a year since All Pac-12 punter Jeff Locke left for the Minnesota Vikings, UCLA’s best punter has been a JUGS machine. Pulling the plug on the makeshift operation will be freshman Sean Covington out of St. Petersburg, Fla. Rated by Scout as the Class of 2013’s No. 3 punter, Covington will have enormous shoes to fill, ones that averaged more than 43 yards per punt last year, right out of the gate. UCLA football has its fingers crossed that the freshman will quickly come into his own, as there are no remaining punters on the roster.
Compiled by Andrew Erickson, Bruin Sports senior staff.