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UCLA Football: 10 Things to Take Note of In Spring Practice

By Michael Chavez

Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during an NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated UCLA 40-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during an NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated UCLA 40-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Spring Practice in full swing, here are 10 items UCLA Football fans should take note of.

The UCLA Football team is nearly two weeks into Spring Practice and there are several things to look for as they make changes on offense and defense. Here are 10 to be aware of.

RELATED: UCLA Football Is Bringing Back The Tight End

1. Offense-UCLA has made it clear that their offensive identity is going to change. Just how much it changes remains to be seen but the major differences that have already been declared are tight ends and full backs.

While head coach Jim Mora has downplayed any dramatic changes to the offense in terms of philosophy, the idea of power sets are enough to excite any Bruin fan who is tired of wishing their offense could punish opponents. Despite signing a few classes designed to fit the spread game, this last class has all the makings of a tough, physical offense in the very near future.

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2. Defense-Of course if we are talking about one side of the ball we should mention the other. Last season the Bruins dealt with a myriad of defensive injuries that sapped size, athleticism and experience from the starting lineup and forced younger players to step up. The good news is this year those players have gotten bigger, have another year in defensive coordinator Tom Bradley‘s defense and the Bruins have added even more talented players to their roster.

There will be a greater emphasis on the 4-3 defense that seems to suit UCLA’s roster more effectively and will aid in stopping the run which was the Achilles’ heel last season.  Who will step up and make their case for being in the two-deep will be something exciting to watch.

3. Special Teams-When you lose your four-year starter at kicker there is naturally some concern. When you lose all of your specialists except the kick returners, panic might start to set in. This coaching staff did not panic though and instead reloaded a unit with some of the best freshmen in the country.

When you have a quarterback like the Bruins do, you want to do everything you can to ensure he doesn’t just survive, you want him to thrive.

However, they are still freshmen. Having a smooth execution during Spring doesn’t necessarily mean everything will go off without a hitch in a game but becoming acclimated to the college game as early as possible is the best case scenario.

4. Josh Rosen-If you were alive last year then you know Rosen had one of the most impressive freshmen seasons in college football history. As goes Rosen, go the Bruins therefore it is important his development continues even though he is nowhere near being raw. UCLA hired Marques Tuiasosopo back from that other team across town to help continue molding Rosen.

Quarterback development or lack thereof was one criticism of the Mazzone regime and when you have a quarterback like the Bruins do, you want to do everything you can to ensure he doesn’t just survive, you want him to thrive. Who better to teach him than the 2001 Rose Bowl MVP quarterback Tuiasosopo?

Next: More Things To Look For At Spring Practice