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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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Fitting Into The Run-Based Spread Offense

During the spring, we saw hints of what Kelly wants to do with his team. UCLA is going to run, run, run, but the coach is going to try and accomplish that in a variety of ways.

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His offense will be similar to the one he ran at Oregon which utilized zone reads and run-pass options (RPO), but Kelly added a third element with the triple-option.

The triple-option did not show itself during the spring game, but there were several practices, especially after spring break, where the Bruins practiced triple-O fundamentals.

Kelly is looking to deceive defenses and will need his QBs to be in top form with not just their arms and legs, but also with their vision. An important element of Kelly’s offense is reading the defense and causing mismatches, so the starting QB is going to need to be aware of his surroundings.

As a dual-threat, defenses are going to need to be on their toes with DTR, but they are going to have to step up their efforts as the newest Bruin has the keen ability to quickly read the opposition. If the situation calls for a hand-off, he will direct it to where it needs to go. If he needs to pull it and fire off a quick slant, he can do that too. If nothing is open and he has space, then I feel sorry for those defenses that are too slow to catch him.

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At least three of the other UCLA QBs have a leg up on DTR as they have spring practice under they belt. This means DTR is going to have to play catch up in a short amount of time this fall. Still, he is going to put on a show no matter when he plays and UCLA fans should be very excited.