UCLA’s wide receiver room is crowded enough that a promising freshman may have to wait his turn.
Kenneth Moore, who originally committed to the Bruins out of St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California, looked like a name worth watching for early playing time. But the way the roster is built now, meaningful snaps this season don’t appear likely.
The reason is simple: UCLA has loaded up on veteran transfers at receiver, and that group is expected to dominate the rotation. One projection has James Madison transfer Landon Ellis as the most likely option to be on the field for the first snap against Cal, with South Carolina transfer Brian Rowe Jr. next in line.
The final spot among the starters appears to be a battle between lone returner Mikey Matthews and Michigan transfer Semaj Morgan. Matthews would seem to have the edge early because of his prior connection with Iamaleava, though that could still change before the opener.
That doesn’t mean Moore is shut out entirely. He should still get chances during the season, and what he does with those opportunities will go a long way toward shaping his future with the Bruins.
ESPN rated Moore as a 4-star prospect, and the talent is clearly there. He’s just in a spot where patience may be part of the process.
There’s plenty of value in a freshman spending a season learning behind older players, even if the modern college game doesn’t always reward that kind of development. Moore’s path may simply take longer, but the belief is that his time will come. As the offseason continues, he has a chance to strengthen his standing and push for a role.
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