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UCLA Football Spring Practice: Day 1 – The Chip Kelly era has begun

By Mike Regalado

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Jordan Lasley
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Jordan Lasley /

Spring Practice Begins (cont.)

It is now 8:00 a.m. and we got to see a the offense versus the defense and it appeared as if the UCLA QBs were focused on two types of throws: short in the middle of the field or long. Though the QBs were performing drills simultaneously, QB Devon Monster, Josh Rosen’s backup from last season, took the first reps with the offense.

A few drills in, Howard had another beautiful catch as he pulled in a low pass in the middle of the field for about 25 yards. Later, true freshman WR Kyle Phillips caught a ball in traffic, bobbled it, but brought it in for the catch and the 45-yard touchdown on a mid crossing route. At one point, DB Quentin Lake had an interception which he took and weaved through the offense for a would-be pick six.

A nice surprise in the middle of the field was former 5-star LB Mique Juarez who was running with the defensive 1s. He did not make any big plays, but looked quite fit and slimmed down, which allowed him to react quicker on a few plays.

Another player that has noticeably slimmed down is TE Devin Asiasi. He also looked quite fit and explosive in drills. If Kelly’s coaching has done anything, it has started to get these players in shape and it is needed as players were expected to hustle when the coaches blew the whistle and changed drills, players were required to run, run, run.

Another note about depth, Bolu Olorunfunmi was running with the 1s, in front of Soso Jamabo. Though there were a few good runs in practice by all, no one broke off a particularly impressive run.