UCLA Football plans to incorporate the fullback position into offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s scheme this season. Expect returning fullback Anthony Adkins, who has recovered from an injury sustained last spring, to play a key role.
Bruins running backs coach Marcus Thomas stated that Adkins has returned from his injury and has performed well during fall camp.
“Anthony is 100 percent, he’s back,” Thomas told reporters Thursday. “Right now he is the guy, he has done well, he has practiced with great intent, practiced hard, taken on that role, taken on a lot of ownership.”
Adkins is coming off his first season with UCLA in 2023, where he ranked as the team’s fourth-leading rusher, trailing behind running backs Carson Steele, T.J. Harden, and quarterback Colin Schlee. Steele has since signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, while Harden is anticipated to take on the lead back role this season.
In his inaugural campaign in Westwood, Adkins recorded 30 carries for 178 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He played in five games and had his standout performance on September 16, rushing for 96 yards and one touchdown on just 10 carries, leading the team that day.
Before transferring to UCLA, Adkins played at Army West Point, where he amassed 693 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons. His best game there came in 2021 when he rushed for 355 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound fullback did not play in 2022 before joining UCLA.
In addition to Adkins, the Bruins have welcomed two new fullbacks. They acquired San Diego State transfer Leo Kemp, who recorded two catches for 13 yards and one touchdown in his single season with the Aztecs. The 5-foot-11 Kemp is from Paso Robles, California.
The Bruins also feature Peter Bario, who is in his second year at UCLA. Bario transitioned from defensive line to fullback after an impressive high school career, where he tallied 130 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and 41 tackles for loss at Campbell Hall School.
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