UCLA Football Spring Practice: The 2014 Season Begins Now

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora congratulates quarterback Brett Hundley (17) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

As 7 a.m. revealed itself to Westwood, a bright and shiny sun was making it’s way up from the east. A cold chill was in the air, reminding everyone out that it is still one of the cooler months of the year. Not like that of October, November or December, which the activities that were about to unfold were more accustomed to, but in fact it is April 1st and on the campus of UCLA, the Spring Quarter starts. With that, begins the nearly half-year long conditioning of the UCLA Football program, readying themselves for the 2014 season.

After two extraordinary seasons under head coach Jim Mora, UCLA has gone through a #BruinRevolution. What was previously thought of as “soft” program that played second fiddle to the likes of a crosstown program, has indeed become the talk of the town. It has also become the talk of college football’s top teams for the upcoming season.

So many things have happened for UCLA since a victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sun Bowl. Promises were solidified for a state-of-the-art football facility, Mora signed an extension to stay in Westwood until 2019… oh yeah and quarterback Brett Hundley said he is returning to UCLA for his (redshirt) junior season, starting a campaign that would hopefully see the returning starter as a prestigious award finalist: #Hundley4Heisman.

So it began today. The helmets were on, the coaches were instructing and the massive speakers were booming a mixture of 70’s rock and modern hip-hop from an offensive lineman-sized speaker just off the field. The blood was flowing and it was time to get to work.

The players knew what to expect. That was evident in their hustle and achievement in preparing for a one of the biggest season’s UCLA has faced in recent memory. When whistles blew or horns blared, ALL activity was stopped. Players would then run to the next set of drills, no laziness allowed.

If UCLA is striving to be Champions, they must have the desire of champions. This is what was on display at Spaulding Field this morning. Hustle and nothing but. No one complained, no one bent over from exhaustion, no one dared to talk back. It was time to listen and learn. The #BruinRevolution rolls on, without skipping a beat. The 2014 season started today. Be excited Bruin fans.

Notes From The Football Ground

-Defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes has a broken bone in his foot and will most likely miss all of Spring Practice

-Transfer offensive lineman, Malcolm Bunche, needs to finish up some things with admissions, but should join UCLA in no time

-Linebacker Aaron Wallace did not participate, but is expected to join team soon

-OL Torian White has been kicked off the team.

Stay with us for more updates on UCLA Football’s Spring Practice.

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco