Having one of the top secondaries in the Pac-12 last season, the UCLA Football team looks to continue guarding the skies with a deep and talented unit.
Last year, the UCLA Football team defended the sky better than anyone in conference, allowing only 203.2 passing yards per game and 5.8 passing yards per play.
Related Story: UCLA's Team Chemistry is Strong
The reason for this has been solid recruiting of defensive backs and even better development. Because of this, several players will be pushing for the starting spots and as it looks, the Bruins will have a lot to choose from.
UCLA Bruins
DB Coach Demetrice Martin talked to the media on Saturday and gave his take on his players. He started by discussing the progress of this team and how he likes how the communication is solid and that he has several leaders on the field. For any team, that is essential to the growth and success of a program. To add to that, Martin stated that this is the most experienced secondary he has coached since he got to Westwood.
When talking about his players, Martin said he likes what he sees with Jaleel Wadood and Randall Goforth. A reporter stated that they work well together, so much that they don’t need to talk. Jokingly, Martin commented that they better talk openly as he really emphasizes the “3 Vs”: visual, verbal and volume.
When asked about the return of Fabian Moreau who missed most of last season with an injury, Martin said it was big, mostly because of his leadership abilities. “[Moreau] is going to fight through whatever it is, he’s a warrior”.
Tahaan Goodman came up in the conversation and Martin confirmed that he has not only matured, but he is more confident, “whatever shortcomings he may have, because he knows where he needs to be, those shortcomings don’t stick out as much”.
With Moreau back, Martin was asked who would start at the other corner. Martin made it clear that there is an open competition, but when it comes to game time, who starts doesn’t matter because Martin will use all the talent that is at his disposal.
comes from
Thuc Nhi Nguyen
of the Los Angeles Daily News.
Next: UCLA Football 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.
More from Go Joe Bruin
- UCLA Football: It’s time for the nation to meet Dante Moore
- UCLA Football: Where are they ranked heading into week 4
- UCLA Football: Position battle breakdown for Utah showdown
- UCLA vs. Utah: Location, time, prediction, and more
- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
Next: Tom Bradley Talks About the Defense
Go Bruins!