UCLA Football: Chip Kelly speaks for the first time at Fall Camp 2018
On Day 2 of UCLA football’s 2018 fall camp, the head guy himself, head coach Chip Kelly spoke to the media and gave some updates on the team.
UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly spoke to the media for the first time during fall camp and gave several updates on how things have been going so far.
RELATED: Notes From the First Day of UCLA’s Fall Camp
Check out the video (which comes via Bruin Report Online) or read on as we have extracted some of the more important points from his chat with the media.
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The QB Battle Royale
So far, it is still wide open. Though it seems that he has players specifically running with 1s and 2s, Kelly said that all the QBs are going through 2-spot drills on two fields, maximizing the number of reps each of the five signal callers gets. This will allow all the QBs to get the same amount of reps and can be analyzed equally among the coaching staff.
When the starter will be chosen…
Though he would like a starter now, he wants to evaluate everything each player brings to the table. When it comes down to finally choosing the starter, Kelly said, “Every time I have been in one of these quarterback competitions, usually the decision is made for you and when you make it, everybody is like, ‘yeah, that is the guy that played the best over time’.”
On freshman QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
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Kelly stated that he has no expectations but he likes what he sees so far.
On freshman RB Kazmeir Allen
“He looked good, you know, again no expectations. But the young guys, the one thing that was impressive one day one, they were sharp. There weren’t a lot of mental mistakes.”
Scholarship offers
Kelly said that transfer walk-on running back Joshua Kelley has earned a scholarship. Kelly also said that he should receive significant playing time.
Additionally, senior wide receiver Christian Pabico has received a scholarship, though Kelly said he was given his back in February so that it would guarantee him playing another season.
What is going on with DL Atonio Mafi’s injury?
“He is just limited right now. He was going through drills.” The big 6-2, 380-pound defensive lineman from Northern California is still nursing an Achilles injury that he sustained in high school. He is the only player that has been wearing the yellow no-contact jersey. Jaelan Phillips, Caleb Wilson, Josh Woods, who did not participate in the spring, are all participating in practice.
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Why did Kelly close practice?
“We are getting ready to play a game.” As open as Spaulding Field is, Kelly wants to limit the number of eyes that can peer into practice. He is also known for keeping his secrets close to the vest. This also seems like he wants to hide how his team works as he evolves his style.