UCLA still needs a starter at a key position

UCLA football still needs a running back replacement for TJ Harden.

According to 247Sports, the Bruins would have landed a spot with former Washington State running back Wayshawn Parker, the No. 2 running back in the transfer portal, but the 2024 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year announced on social media Friday that he is leaving Utah had committed to this.

UCLA had offered Parker, likely hoping he would be the answer to the RB1 void. Harden, who entered the transfer portal earlier this month, has been the Bruins’ starting defenseman the past two seasons.

They have a few options within the program, including veteran running back Jalen Berger, but not exactly someone who is quite at Harden’s level.

Incoming freshman Karson Cox has tremendous potential, but he likely won’t be ready to be the starter this year.

“Having the No. 1 guy back in California (Cox) is a big win for us,” UCLA coach DeShaun Foster said while speaking to the media on National Signing Day on Dec. 4. “We wanted to make sure we held on to this kid. He’s a guy of his word and he’s been rocking with us for a long time, so I commend him for being that type of player and that type of kid.”

Hardening had a somewhat disappointing 2024 season with the Bruins, but that was mostly due to their offensive line, which struggled for most of the year.

Harden totaled just 506 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding 368 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. In terms of rushing, it was a huge step down from 2023, when he posted a career-best 827 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Bruins finished the 2024 season last in the Big Ten in total rushing yards (1,039) and rushing yards per game (86.6).

UCLA has made a lot of progress through the portal and will likely continue to do so. But running back is still a pressing need.

It’s interesting that the Bruins still haven’t secured a return transfer considering they have one of the greatest running backs in program history (Foster) at the helm.

Luckily for UCLA, they got help on the offensive line and were able to secure the commitment of two offensive players in Julian Armella and Eugene Brooks.

We’ll see if the Bruins can find a new starting running back in the portal or if they ultimately have to settle for one already enrolled.

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