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UCLA Football Spring Practice 2016: Mora Talks To The Media, Position Changes

By Mike Regalado

September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora leads players out onto the field against the Virginia Cavaliers before the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora leads players out onto the field against the Virginia Cavaliers before the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was the first day of Spring Practice for the UCLA Football team and Head Coach Jim Mora gives an update (and don’t call the offense a “pro-style”). There have also been a few key positions changes to accommodate the offense.

As Spring Practice begins, Jim Mora‘s first meeting with the media was both informative and slightly surly. Not that it took a dark turn, it is just when Mora wants something to be known, he is not shy about putting some emotion into it.

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That happened today when Mora was asked about the UCLA Football team switching to a “pro style” offense. Aside from claiming he doesn’t know what a pro style is (nice one, coach), he made it known that UCLA is not completely changing the offense.

“These are just the typical tweaks you make.”

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Typical tweaks that includes QBs taking snaps under center and giving fullbacks and tight ends a bigger role in the offense. Big tweaks, but none the less, typical.

When asked about a couple players, Mora was quick to point reference OL Conor McDermott standing out on the line, “He is a great player at that position. It is a premium position.”

With McDermott retuning for his senior season, it will be essential that he continues to improve, especially with UCLA losing three O-linemen from last season.

Mora also talked about QB Josh Rosen, “He had gained 20 pounds. He looks good, looks more physical… He just seems more comfortable, more relaxed.”

Check out Mora’s presser below via Periscope session from Rivals reporter Edward Lewis.

Position Changes

With the UCLA Football team making adjustments across the board, several players have switched positions to accomodate the alterations, primarily on offense. Here are five key changes:

Cameron Griffin and Ainuu Taua to fullback

Austin Roberts, OL Giovanni Gentosi to tight end

Ishmael Adams to receiver

Clearly these moves are to accommodate the new power offense that UCLA is moving towarrds which helps out with the needs of the FBs and TEs, although the most interesting move here is Adams to receiver.

Adams had a bit of trouble with the law at the beginning of last season and was suspended for three non-conference games. When he retuned, he did well as a defensive back, but was relatively quiet.

This flip to the offense side of he ball could be a spark to re-energize his game as well as benefit the receivers who are a bit thin this year. Adams has shown his pass catching ability as he has eight career interceptions, with four in 2013.

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If Adams can consistently show that he has good hands — and taking his speed into consideration — than he can be a dangerous weapon on offense.