Punt returns were an adventure for UCLA last season, namely because the Bruins couldn’t find a reliable returner capable of catching the ball all the time.
However, sophomore Terrence Austin, who had a few tries at is last season, said he finally learned technique during the offseason and is ready to make a mark after working with assistant Dino Babers, the running backs coach who helps with special teams.
“I’m just focusing on the turn of the ball, and when it’s going to come down and when it’s going to keep sailing on you,’’ said Austin, who averaged 13.8 yards on eight returns last season. “I catch it a lot better. Last year was my first doing it. I didn’t return punts in high school, so I was just trying to catch on. I was trying not to drop the ball, but now it’s second nature.’’
Austin said another key is catching the ball above his waist.
“Anything below your waist may bounce,’’ he said. “It gives you a better chance to catch it when you try to catch it high.’’