Jon Gaines II knows what it takes to win football games.

The Bruin offensive lineman did it last season, helping UCLA to an 8-4 record, the best season under Chip Kelly so far. Asked Wednesday what the offensive identity of the team would be going forward, he said last season is no longer good enough.

“Through interviews last year, it (the identity) was all about execution, right?” he said, per The L.A. Times’ Ben Bolch. “We have to take a step up from that. You know, executing gets you to 8-4 and we want a lot more than that and that comes from dominating the line of scrimmage from the start.”

The fifth-year man from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin started every game last season for the Bruins and four games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He’s helped anchor an offensive line that ranked top-10 nationally in line yards per carry and stuff rate (both via Football Outsiders).

With tailback Zach Charbonnet and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson both returning to lead the team in 2022, UCLA figures to be a team that will lean on the run and wear on teams.

You have to dominate at the point of attack to be successful. Gaines knows that all too well.

The Bruins begin the new season on Saturday against Bowling Green. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. PT on the Pac-12 Network.