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UCLA Football: Top five storylines to watch during spring practice

By Mike Crawford

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: UCLA Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero (L) and Chip Kelly hold up a jersey during a press conference introducing Kelly as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: UCLA Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero (L) and Chip Kelly hold up a jersey during a press conference introducing Kelly as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 01: Kenneth Walker III
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 01: Kenneth Walker III /

5. How well the overall team will get on the same page?

A new head coach, a new quarterback, a new offensive line, a new defensive coordinator, and a new defensive scheme. In short, everything is new, and this is UCLA football in a nutshell.

Yes, all of these changes are exciting, and yes, the spring practice is going to help provide a better picture the Bruins’ progress at the onset of what looks to be an extremely challenging 2018 schedule.  However, given all these changes, it is only to be expected that it is going to take some time before everyone is fully on the same page and working together in unison. The real question is, “how long will this all take?”

It’s hard telling. On one hand, things may mesh together so quickly that Kelly and the Bruins will have an immediate turnaround similar to the success Mora and his staff had in 2012. On the other hand, 2018 may prove to be a rebuilding year that will (hopefully) lay the groundwork for future success.

Ultimately, Tuesday is a golden opportunity for Kelly and his staff to put aside the past and set the trajectory of where UCLA’s football program will head in the coming years.

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Kelly and his Bruins kick off spring practices on March 6 at 7:15 a.m. in Westwood.  Following practices will take place on March 8 (7:15 a.m.), March 10 (10:00 a.m.), March 13 (7:15 a.m.), March 15 (7:15 a.m.) and March 17 (10:00 a.m.).  All practices will be open to the public via a provided viewing area at the top of Lot 8 across from Spaulding Field.

A month later, the Bruins will host their annual spring game at Drake Stadium on April 21 at 11:00 a.m.  Admission will be free for UCLA season ticket holders and current Den pass holders.  General admission is $10 via pre-sale ($15 on the day of the event).  Kids (3-12) admission and current UCLA students can both get in for $5.

Fans are encouraged to regularly check Go Joe Bruin’s webpage, twitter feed, and Facebook page for spring practice reports and updates.