UCLA Bruins
Bruin fans knew there would be a quarterback competition, but most thought it would be a three-horse race between Jerry Neuheisel, Asiantii Woulard and Josh Rosen. Today, head coach Jim Mora made it clear that a fourth competitor was in the mix for the starting quarterback spot, Mike Fafaul.
This may be quite unexpected for Bruin fans, but for those that do not know, Fafaul has just as much playing time as the most experienced Bruin, Jerry Neuheisel. Fafaul played in two games in 2013 backing up Brett Hundley. He completed three passes against New Mexico State and had a completion in the Hyundai Sun Bowl victory.
Sure he has experience, but is he worthy of a shot? Definitely. Last season he was the scout team quarterback and did such a tremendous job, he was honored with the Nick Pasquale Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Scout Team Player. Additionally, this is his fourth Spring Practice, so he knows what is required to run the offense. Because of that, the Bruin coaches want to take a deeper look at the experienced (but seldom used) QB.
Here are some of the main points Mora touched upon when talking about Fafaul:
-There is a lot of confidence with Fafaul, especially this being his fourth Spring Practice.
-Mike Fafaul is doing well in Spring Practice, but also had a lot of help from the first-string offense.
-Mora said he is “poised and doing a hell of a job.”
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mora also talked about how the Bruins started working on short yardage plays…
– On Thursday, Mora said they worked on “short-yardage goal-line live… we did some competitive third down, it was really balanced.”
-Likes the mindset, the Bruins are being competitive without being dirty and taking cheap shots. They are essentially having a more professional attitude.
Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linemen line up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Additionally, he was asked about other parts of the team…
-QB/WR Aaron Sharp is not permanent at wide receiver, but would see more time there.
-LB Jayon Brown brings a lot of “energy” to the defense and is more comfortable in the system.
-Mora said Brown and LB Isaako Savaiinaea as the back-up inside linebackers.
-LB Kenny Orjioke is (physically) recovering well and getting back into game shape. He and DB Randall Goforth have also gotten a year of eligibility back.
Here is the interview via
of
.
Tweets From Practice
UCLA continues to focus on two quarterbacks per practice. Today, Mike Fafaul ran the first-team offense, Josh Rosen the second team.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) April 9, 2015
#UCLA QB Mike Fafaul ran 1st team offense; completed 8 of 11 passes. Josh Rosen was with 2nd team, was 4 of 9 @UCLAFootball #pac12
— chris foster (@cfosterworld) April 9, 2015
#UCLA LB Kenny Orjioke and DL Najee Toran have both received an extra season of eligibility because of injuries. @UCLAFootball #pac12
— chris foster (@cfosterworld) April 9, 2015
By Monday, UCLA may narrow down its four-man quarterback competition: http://t.co/MWA1QV19Dw
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) April 10, 2015