UCLA Football: DTR is in charge, but the QB depth is thin

After the first day of UCLA football’s 2019 Spring Practice, we got to look at the quarterbacks and though Dorian Thompson-Robinson is in control, depth is a big concern.

A few things were revealed on the first day of UCLA football‘s spring practice in regards to the quarterbacks. It was known that Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be the starting quarterback going into spring camp but there were questions about who would back him up.

There were even more questions that arose on Tuesday when rumors were confirmed that Matt Lynch had changied positions and moved from quarterback to tight end. Last season, we saw Chip Kelly use several different TEs in his formations and heavily relied on the 13 personnel (one running back, 3 tight ends). This confirms the fact that tight ends will continue to be in heavy circulation, but also confirms the lack of depth with the QBs.

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This is a curious move for head coach Chip Kelly who now has even less experience behind Thompson-Robinson as no other QB on the roster has on-field experience.

It was thought that if anyone was going to challenge him for the starting spot, it would be Lynch, but now his competition has been dwindled down to Austin Burton and Chase Griffin.

Though this is good for Thompson-Robinson as he doesn’t have to constantly look over his shoulder, it doesn’t bode well for UCLA’s depth. Burton would be the likely backup but his lack of experience could hurt the Bruins. Though he has been with the program for the last three seasons and knows the current playbook, he has not thrown a football in an official game for UCLA. The one thing that does work in his favor, is that he was the stand out QB during the 2018 spring game.

If Burton can continue to develop, especially as a dual threat quarterback, the Bruins should be in stable condition, but for right now it’s a bit rocky with only Burton and true freshman Chase Griffin as the only other scholarship quarterbacks.

Griffin had enrolled early and was looking to get into the quarterback competition, but from the short amount of time I was at practice, i did not see Griffin throw a ball and stuck mostly to drills. We will see if his role increases in the next few practices.

As for Thompson Robinson, he looked comfortable under center. The Bruins were not doing anything flashy during 11-on-11s and as the offense kept everything simple.

Next. UCLA Football: Spring practice preview – offense, defense, and special teams. dark

Despite only running zone reads, runs up the middle or quick, short passes out to receivers, Thompson-Robinson looks like he is ready to make that next step in his development.