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UCLA Football: So what is all the noise about Dorian Thompson-Robinson?

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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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) /

There are a lot of expectations for incoming freshman quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, but that is only because he might be the perfect QB for UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly’s system.

The UCLA football team has a logjam at the quarterback position which will pit five players against each other during fall camp: Devon Modster, Matt Lynch, Austin Burton, Wilton Speight and, of course, Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

RELATED: 10 bold predictions for UCLA’s 2018 season

DTR, as Thompson-Robinson is also known as, is an explosive 4-star dual-threat quarterback out of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) that has been committed to the Bruins for over a year (since April 23, 2017). It was a big deal for former coach Jim Mora to land the no. 3 dual-threat QB in the nation and considering how former offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch turned the offense around, he looked like the perfect fit to take over in the post-Josh Rosen era.

Unfortunately, things have changed since he committed… possibly for the better. Mora was let go and Chip Kelly was hired to replace him. With that, the former Oregon coach is also bringing in his run-based spread attack, which seems to fit DTR’s style.

But can the freshman rise above the other four quarterbacks to get the start in 2018? That is still a question that is yet to be answered, especially by Kelly (and probably won’t be answered until right before the season starts), but for those that do not know what DTR possesses, let us take a look at what he can do and why he fits perfectly in Kelly’s offense.

A Golden Arm

Thompson-Robinson has a very interesting throwing motion. First off, let us acknowledge that he has a strong arm, but it is deceptive. DTR can essentially “fling” the ball in the direction of his target, barely pulling back for power. A special talent, but nothing compared to when he unloads passes with full power. If he is required to launch balls 30+ yards down field or to rocket a pass into a tight window for his receivers, he will deliver a perfectly-placed strike. Guaranteed.

He also has the ability to loft the ball over the heads of defenders and drop it right in the hands of his receivers. Those passes might be dangerous in some situations, but if anything, it proves how confident he is in his abilities.

He also has the strength to throw on the run. Though that is not a recommended option, when he does, he will make those passes and jaws will drop.