LOS ANGELES — Zach Charbonnet in January announced he would be staying in Westwood for his senior season with a graphic on Instagram with the text: “Unfinished business.”

The running back could have been NFL-bound, coming off a breakout debut year at UCLA after transferring from Michigan. Charbonnet rushed for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, his seven 100-yard games tops in the Pac-12 and the most by a Bruin since 2012.

But the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Charbonnet, who has two more years of eligibility, wanted to get better before heading to the next level. He wanted to work on catching passes, get his degree and win the Pac-12.

“That’s something this team has been dreaming about,” the former Oaks Christian High star said. “It’s something I want to come back and be part of too this year.”

Like quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Charbonnet put his NFL dreams on pause for another season at UCLA. The duo is expected to provide invaluable stability for the Bruins at two key offensive positions.

Charbonnet, who said head coach Chip Kelly told him it would be good to come back and improve on a few details before turning pro, added that he didn’t consult too closely with Thompson-Robinson on whether they would come back together despite their same-day announcements.

But when he saw Thompson-Robinson’s post on social media, Charbonnet knew the timing was right.

“That wasn’t completely orchestrated, but as soon as I saw him say he was coming back, I was like, ‘I’m going to just announce it today that I’m also coming back,’” Charbonnet said.

Charbonnet said he got some NFL-level evaluations, but that his decision came down to him and his family.

His decision was undoubtedly good news to running backs coach DeShaun Foster, who has come to rely upon Charbonnet for his consistency.

“He comes in to practice no matter what,” Foster said. “He goes hard. He doesn’t say much. You don’t have to say much to him. He motivates himself.”

Charbonnet said he’s been mentoring the younger running backs on the roster this spring, and that his motto is “practice how you play” – no brakes applied.

“In the game, I’m going full speed every day, so in practice I’m going to do the same thing,” he said.

Last season, Charbonnet ranked second in the Pac-12 in rushing average, third in all-purpose yards per game and was in the top 25 in the nation in rushing yards. That earned him All-Pac-12 second-team honors and the Associated Press’ Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year award. And it has also encouraged the offensive line to make sure Charbonnet has room to operate.

“Zach is a great player,” offensive tackle Duke Clemens said. “He proves it every day in practice. Us being the O-line, we want him to succeed.”

Yet, he’s not done getting better – and bigger. Charbonnet has noticeably bulked up, which he said was one of the focal points of his offseason.

“He’s a guy who’s out here fine-tuning,” Foster said. “He’s a pro that’s fine-tuning his skills for the next level.”

Charbonnet’s strong 2021 campaign has even earned him some darkhorse Heisman trophy projections.

“It’s deserved, because Zach’s that type of player,” Kelly said. “He ran the ball that well last year. But we try to not be concerned with what outside expectations are. If you ask Zach, his expectations for himself are probably higher than that. And that’s a good thing. That’s the type of thing we love about him as a player.”

Manoa switching sides

Tyler Manoa, who has played four seasons mostly as a reserve on the defensive line, is attempting to transition to the offensive line this spring. His former defensive linemates touched on Manoa’s absence after Thursday’s practice in the sweltering heat.

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“I definitely felt him gone today,” linebacker Odua Isibor said. “It was hot. Where’s my boy Tyler? He’s on the other side of the ball. That sucks. But it’s a good opportunity for him. I think he’s taken it in stride. He loves football. He loves what he does. Smart guy, very big work ethic, so I think it will be good for him.”

Manoa made the move to maximize opportunities for playing time, according to Kelly. UCLA has depth on the defensive front but must replace three starters from last season on the offensive line.

“I felt like it was a good move for him,” defensive lineman Martin Andrus Jr. said. “He’s picking it up really well. Hopefully he can help us on that side of the ball.”