UCLA Football: Jim Mora Talks About Day 1 of Fall Camp

UCLA Football Head Coach Jim Mora talked to the media after the completion of Day 1 of fall camp.

They are back Ladies and Gentlemen! The UCLA football team has begun fall camp in preparation for the 2016 season which begins on Saturday, September 3 at Texas A&M. After practice, Jim Mora talked to the media and gave a quick update on Day 1’s goings-ons.

Related Story: UCLA Football Fall Camp Practice Notes - Day 1

Before talking about his team, Mora started by giving his condolences to the Arizona Football team after they received some tragic news today as offensive lineman Zach Hemmila passed away in his sleep last night.

From all of us at Go Joe Bruin, our thoughts and prayers go out to Arizona and the Hemmila Family.

Mora then addressed what he saw in Day 1 of fall camp. He was very happy to see a lot of the new players not only working hard, but really trying to compete against the veterans. As for the overall atmosphere, Mora said it was “about as good of first practice as they have had since I have been here.” Mora has previously stated in spring that the chemistry on this team is the best he has seen since his first season.

UCLA Bruins

Mora was excited about the return of DT Eddie Vanderdoes, CB Fabian Moreau and WR Mossi Johnson after all three suffered severe inures in 2015. All three were limited in spring but are ready to go in the fall. Mora added that EV and Eli Ankou are around 320 lbs. and both look very wide on the line.

When asked about QB Josh Rosen, he stated that having certainty at QB helps, but also likes that the back-up QB battle will be interesting. Mora was impressed by the play of freshman QB Devon Modster, “the game isn’t too big for him.”

After rumors hit social media, Mora confirmed WR Cordell Broadus is no longer with the team.

As far as injuries, freshman OL Paco Perez is temporarily out with a meniscus tear. DL Marcus Moore has a back issue that the team is “managing”. Mora expects both to return shortly. WR Demetric Felton, who injured his shoulder in spring, is out for the year.

New WR Ishmael Adams could be a tremendous threat as a receiver and said they can put him in multiple receiving positions and that they have packages specifically built around him.

Mora was also impressed with Ainuu Taua and his blocking skills and could be a big threat on the offense.

For more information on Day 1, check out the follow video from UCLA Football:

"“I like the attitude and direction we’re headed.”– Coach Mora on Day One of #BruinsCamphttps://t.co/246zEHomiS— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) August 8, 2016"

Next: 5 Position Battles to Watch for in Fall Camp

Stay with Go Joe Bruin as we bring you all the latest information on the UCLA Football team in fall camp. Go Bruins!