UCLA Football Spring Practice: Week 1 Report

Oct 12, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the California Golden Bears during the Bruins 37-10 win at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 of UCLA Football‘s Spring Practice is in the books and head coach Jim Mora had a lot to comment about. One of the things that stood out in his Saturday post-practice comments was how the team, overall, has impressed him.

"They have learned how to practice with intensity. They have learned how to practice with passion.”"

That was what was noticeable about the Bruins during Spring Practice, they are hustling. They know exactly what people expect of them and they know what they expect from themselves. In practice, there is no down time. When GoJoeBruin.com went to Day 1 of practice, we could see that everyone was ready. Everyone ran to the next drill, set or sideline. Everyone is ready to make this a great team.

That seems to be translating to the individuals which Mora praised.

On the Offensive Line…

"I’m really impressed, so far with the way our offensive line is performing, in particular Caleb [Benenoch] and Poasi [Moala]. Those guys have stood out to me. Caleb [is] a grown man, looks great. Poasi, his athleticism shows.”"

With the news that o-lineman Torian White is official off the team, the Bruins got a little thinner on the line as Ben Wysocki hurt his leg in practice and was carted off the field.

Bruins making impressions…

Mora was also impressed by several guys that “stood out” to him: Freshman linebacker Zach Whitley, redshirt freshman running back Craig Lee, freshman offensive lineman NaJee Toran and freshman Mossi Johnson.

Johnson tore two ligaments last year and delayed his enrollment to UCLA. He is now eligible and eager to play for UCLA. There is one difference that will occur with Johnson as he will switch from defensive back to wide receiver. Johnson is definitely making an impression with the Bruin coaching staff… while still wearing a brace.

Wide receiver news…

As UCLA starts to get their offense in gear, it is important to note that Devin Lucien has been the talk of many as he seeks to fill the void by graduating senior Shaq Evans.

Darren Andrews hurt his knee this week and had “scope surgery”. He will miss all of Spring.

Transfer eligibility…

Miami transfer Malcolm Bunche has not yet practiced with the Bruins, but Mora is not worried. The issues regarding his transfer are mostly due to paperwork and he should be good to go by Monday, hopefully.

The improvement of Hundley…

Mora talked about quarterback Brett Hundley and how he is handling himself in Spring.

"Brett, I thought was sharp again. I think, we have to all be careful how we evaluate Brett in Spring like this, because part of what he is doing is he is experimenting. He is trying to find, push boundaries. So sometimes it might look like he is throwing into a coverage, that he wouldn’t typically do. You don’t want it to become a habit, obviously. But you know, you’re pushing some things and trying to experiment and see where we can go with some plays. We got some new concepts in, but I think that he is throwing the ball really well, has great command.”"

The picture of the week…

He is a sophomore.

To see video of Jim Mora, click here for a video from the OC Register.

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco