Each year there are a handful of UCLA Football signees that have the chance to enroll early, which comes with many benefits, but also has its drawbacks.
By that first whistle of Spring Practice, veterans of the UCLA football team are already going at full speed.
The college football season has only been gone for three months but these players are ready to get back in the swing of things, even though they will not play a meaningful game of football for another five months.
Still, the strive, attitude and want to play football is in full effect and that could be both a blessing and a curse for several new players that have decided to enroll early, especially when they are trying to assimilate into their new culture.
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This year, nine new players have decided to start their college lives early and get a jump on their first football season with UCLA. Breland Brandt, JJ Molson, Matt Lynch, Demetric Felton, Theo Howard, Nick Terry, Mique Juarez, Leni Toailoa, Lokeni Toailoa are all in Westwood participating in spring practice.
Enrolling early gives these players a jump on the the next season and allows them to learn, grow, develop and understand a new football mentality, different from what they’ve been accustomed to their last four years in high school.
Right now there are some young Bruins that are looking very good and because of this, could see sone playing time sooner than later.
The only downfall, I would say, are the injuries, which we have seen too much of already. Juarez and Brandt are currently out with concussions and might not participate in the Spring Showcase. Felton is gong to require surgery on his shoulder which might keep him out for next season. Despite having the entire summer to rest and heal, these players are missing out on a valuable learning experience.
Related Story: Injuries Are Piling Up At Spring Practice
The upside of enrolling early is the work and guidance these players receive which has greatly benefitted the majority of them.
Howard has blown away coaches with his raw athleticism and his early development has him participating with the first string wide receivers. Lynch is quickly catching on and has been developing nicely as a backup QB.
Molson, who basically owns kicking duties, is settling into his non-contact position. Terry and the Toailoa brothers have also been quite impressive early on and will add valuable depth this fall.
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So not only do these players get a better grasp on the structure and inner workings of the team, but they are getting better themselves. That will pay dividends in the fall when they have a competitive edge over other incoming freshmen.
Is it September yet?