LOS ANGELES — While the UCLA quarterback battle is ongoing, the offensive line is taking shape as the team held its first full-padded practice Wednesday.
The front line was considered a strength in recent years, with the ability to use its depth to have hockey-like rotations during games.
The unit had to retool this year after having three offensive linemen drafted over the past two seasons.
The line helped the offense produce 237.2 rushing yards per game, which ranked sixth in the country, and was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award.
Center Duke Clemens remains a consistent member of the front line since 2019, when he started as a true freshman alongside freshman Sean Rhyan, who was drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in 2022.
Clemens has been a versatile lineman, playing tackle and guard for the Bruins before starting the last 21 games at center, including all 13 games in 2022.
“My career has been all over the place, but I think I found a home at center,” Clemens said. “Starting all the games last season really helped me feel comfortable in the role. You have to know a lot and lead the O-line.”
Clemens’ name has appeared on the Rimington Trophy (best center) and the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) watch lists this month.
He was also recognized as a preseason all-conference honorable mention along with Bruins redshirt sophomore Garrett DiGiorgio.
Clemens believes he has matured physically ahead of his redshirt senior season, for which he is expected to play close to 290 pounds. The Hawai’i native played closer to 267 as a true freshman.
“It was a slow process for me,” Clemens said. “I didn’t want to just gain 20 pounds from McDonald’s. I wanted to gain it right and I think I’ve grown into my man body.”
DiGiorgio is coming off a breakout season, having started 13 games at right tackle as a redshirt freshman. While he’s the favorite to retain that starting role, head coach Chip Kelly and offensive line coach Tim Drevno had explored the possibility of him playing at other positions.
“The coaches have been switching us off,” DiGiorgio said. “I’ve been working right guard and right tackle. It’s been really good for me.”
Jake Wiley has also been switching between the two positions since his arrival in June as a transfer from Colorado.
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Wiley played left and right tackle for the Buffs but may see time at right guard this season.
Old Dominion transfer Khadere Kounta adds size and experience, having started 26 games at left tackle.
“He’s a hard worker and I see him coming in for extra work a lot,” Clemens said of Kounta. “He’s a big boy.”
UCLA lists Kounta on the roster at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds. Kounta and Wiley enrolled in June and didn’t participate in spring practice.
Another transfer, Spencer Holstege, is working to earn the starting spot at left guard after playing 32 games at Purdue. Holstege has been with the program since spring camp but missed time due to an injury.
The Bruins return several offensive linemen, but most lack starting experience at the college level.
Josh Carlin and Benjamin Roy Jr. worked at guard during the spring and Bruno Fina saw first-team reps at left tackle. Roy is also expected to serve as the backup center behind Clemens. Siale Taupaki has the ability to play guard and tackle.
Taupaki is participating in individual position workouts as he continues to work his way back from an injury.
“I think Siale has a huge upside as a football player and can be really special in terms of his size, his strength, his toughness,” Kelly said of the 6-foot-4, 31-pounder from Oakland. “To get him back would be huge for us because he missed a year.”
AWARD WATCH
Carson Steele was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list. The trophy is awarded to college football’s best running back at the end of the year.
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list. The award is voted on by journalists, commentators and former receivers. The award is presented to the nation’s best wide receiver at the end of the season.
IN THE POLLS
UCLA football wasn’t among the top 25 teams on the AFCA coaches poll, released earlier this week.
USC (6), Washington (11), Utah (14), Oregon (15) and Oregon State (18) were the five Pac-12 Conference teams ranked in the top 25.
The Bruins did receive 42 votes, which would rank them 31st in the country behind Iowa, South Carolina, Florida, Texas-San Antonio and Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh beat UCLA 37-35 in the Sun Bowl in December 2023.