UCLA Football: The Secondary Looks To Stay Primary and Other Fall Camp News
Mora UCLA Football News
UCLA Football Head Coach Jim Mora also talked about the progress of the team after the morning session on Saturday.
One of the first things he briefly commented on was the absence of freshman linebacker Mique Juarez. After being asked about him with three different questions, Mora gave the same answer three times, “he has an excused absence”.
Related Story: Where is Mique Juarez?
Mora was then asked about his secondary and what they can do after being the top pass defense team. It has been said that that UCLA was the top pass defense team because last year’s opponents chose to run rather than pass against the Bruins, simply because UCLA did not have a stellar run defense.
Mora set the record straight that it was more than that. Last season the Bruins had the 3rd most pass attempts against them in conference, solidifying the statement that the UCLA secondary is indeed one of the best in the conference.
"“I love their mind set…they’re really challenging each other.” – Coach Mora on Day 6 of #BruinsCamphttps://t.co/tZZZyrPuST — UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) August 13, 2016"
So far the D-line looks to be Matt Dickerson and Takkarist McKinley on the ends with Eli Ankou and Eddie Vanderdoes at the tackle spots.
The middle linebacker battle does not just consist of Kenny Young and Isaako Savaiinaea. True freshman Lokeni Toailoa has been impressing the coaches thus far and is in the mix for the MIKE LB spot, per Mora. With spring under his belt, Toailoa already has a feel for the defense and has been very consistant in the middle. Whether he starts this season or not, that is a good sign for depth and the future.
Injury Report
Nothing new after Saturday, but the Bruins still have a few players dinged up: WR Theo Howard (hamstring), OL Paco Perez (meniscus), Marcus Moore (back). All should return shortly, except Moore who might need a little more time to heal.
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Next: Tom Bradley Talks About the Defense
Go Bruins!