Bolu Olorunfunmi hopes to help UCLA cure its anemic running game that was second-to-last in rushing per game in the country. (Micah Escamilla/The Sun, SCNG)
UCLA’s inability to run the ball was the ultimate undoing of a talented team in 2016. All five running backs return under a new coach with a new scheme hoping to atone for last year’s failure.
“We don’t talk about it, we don’t mention it,” running back Bolu Olorunfunmi said. “We just know that we have to do better.”
The Bruins have three experienced backs and two underclassmen jockeying for position in a crowded backfield. Rising junior Soso Jamabo is the presumptive No. 1 option, but head coach Jim Mora mentioned Olorunfunmi as someone who has “really stood out” from group.
Olorunfunmi sets himself apart with his bruising running style. He aggressively accepts contact both with the ball in his hand and while blocking. He led the team in rushing touchdowns last year with four while Jamabo led the team with 321 total rushing yards. Continue reading “What’s next for UCLA football’s struggling running game?” »
