UCLA Football Spring Practice: The Progress With Two Weeks Down and Two To Go

OFFENSE

With the Bruins moving to a power-based offense, new Offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu has made some tweaks to their system.

First off, do not ask Head Coach Jim Mora about this being a “pro style” offense. He will get mad at you.

UCLA Bruins

However, he did state that going forward, the offense is definitely making tweaks which should help the Bruins as they go away from the spread offense.

Some of these changes include the Bruins utilizing the fullback and tight end positions a lot more. Along with that, several position changes were made which, so far, seems like that process is going smoothly.

A week ago after practice, Mora said the coaches are taking more time in between plays, sets and drills to teach the players about the new offense, which is why practice seems to be going a little bit slower.

But with that, we noticed that the Bruins are coming out of a huddle in between plays and quarterback Josh Rosen is taking more snaps under center. That is in stark contrast from last season when he started in the shotgun without huddles.

Come Spring Showcase, we will be able to see exactly how and what this offense will do. Will the offensive line be ready to handle themselves? Will the running game improve with the committee of Soso Jamabo, Nate Starks and Bolu Olorunfunmi? And how will the receivers fit into the new system?

Offensive Standout Players

Ishmael Adams –  One of the more surprising position changes was Adams flipping from defensive back to receiver. So far, according to Mora, it is working out. Adams still needs to learn the nuances of the receiving position, but for the most part he is excelling with the change.

Conor McDermott – When you’re returning for your final year of eligibility and people are noticing that you are still improving, that is a good sign especially for the offensive line that needs to adapt to the new power schemes.

Soso Jamabo – The early word on Jamabo is that his development and confidence could land him the  #1 RB spot in the fall. Jamabo has been very impressive during the first two weeks of practice, but there is a lot of time before the first game

Josh Rosen – Bigger, better, better. Though Rosen has to adapt to the new offense, he’s looking pretty flawless returning as the offensive leader in spring.

Next: Defense