After the first few days of fall camp, UCLA Football Head Coach Jim Mora likes how the team is coming together which is producing some good football.
There is something special about this UCLA Football team, but it is hard to put a finger on just what.
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After going 8-5 in 2015, the Bruins are hoping to improve, but a lot things could prevent that. UCLA lost more than half of their offensive line, 4 out of five of their top receivers and defensive studs Kenny Clark and Myles Jack. The situation looks dire, but the Bruins are not dead.
That is because the UCLA Football team also have several things going for them including one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Josh Rosen, three solid running backs in Soso Jamabo, Nate Starks and Bolu Olorunfunmi, the return of DT Eddie Vanderdoes and one of the best secondaries in the conference (and quite possibly the nation).
Related Story: UCLA Football Practice Notes
So there are positives and negatives to the forthcoming season, but one factor that cannot be measured is the chemistry that is forming between the players of this UCLA Football team.
In spring, Mora commented on how this team has had some of the best chemistry since his first year on the job.
So far in fall camp, that has translated to a good first week and a surpringly cheery Mora.
"Another great practice. We have had four tanning, outstanding workdays. I love the progress we are making. Attitude couldn’t be better. The work couldn’t be more intense, more competitive. Just really excited about a lot of the young guys are showing up and doing excellent things. Making steps in all positions and today in particular was outstanding. At this point, four days in, I am very pleased."
So far, this has been a very solid start to camp, something that has not always been the case. Not to say most camps are less than stellar, but to have Mora this positive at the begin of camp is a good thing and hopefully it continues to translate to something even better on the playing field.
"“The great thing about this group is that they want to do the work.” – Coach Mora on Day Four of #BruinsCamphttps://t.co/DUYw6FFdVD — UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) August 11, 2016"
Next: Fall Camp News
Fall Camp News and Notes
A few days ago, Mora talked about needing to do better in the redzone. The offense needs to stop getting flagged for penalties in crucial times and even though it was not bad, it was not great either. The offense took 5 penalties and a redone sack in 154 competitive plays.
When replying to a comment about the offense and defense having good days Mora said, “I see improvement every single day out of all of them”. Mora said he can see the offense doing well when the defense struggles and vice versa, but for the most part he is happy with what he is seeing.
When it came to talking about a standout running back, Mora did not see a lot of separation from the Jamabo, Starks and Olorunfunmi. All three have their strengths, but they also have help in the shape of two freshmen, Brandon Stephens and Jalen Starks. “I think we have five really good prospects [at running back]”.
QB “Mike Fafaul is taking it to another level”. The perceived #2 QB has been very good and very determined since spring. A lot of that could be because there are two very talented QBs behind him (Matt Lynch and Devon Modster), both of who are doing a fine job in fall camp so far. Still, Fafaul is standing out and is making a case to be the back-up QB.
Related Story: The Back-Up QB Battle
Poasi Moala has been doing a fine job on the interior of the O-line and is currently starting in fall camp at the right guard position.
ESPN had an article on the defensive line where DL Coach Angus McClure stated they have quality depth. With that, the DLs want to be one of the best pass rushing teams in the conference and Takkarist McKinley believes he can be the best DE in the nation.
As of Saturday morning, freshman LB Mique Juarez was not at practice for a second consecutive day.
Injury Update
WR Theo Howard has strained hamstring and has been limited to conditioning.
WR Darren Andrews has been nursing a sore leg but should be back at full speed shortly.
OL Paco Perez should be ready to go when the Bruins return from San Bernardino. Mora was impressed how he has been doing a lot of work despite his injury and noted that he is very present and focused in the meetings.
Next: UCLA Football's Center of Concern
Go Bruins!