Practice update
UCLA finished football practice this morning, and there were some interesting aspects. First, coach Rick Neuheisel admonished some of the players (I don't have the names, and he wasn't willing to tell me) for not practicing with the type of intensity needed, even if it is a bye week.
Also, the defensive worked on live tackling drills, an expected happening since Tennessee gained 91 yards after contact in Monday's game.
Neuheisel also said that with Kahlil Bell down, the fourth running back was looking like freshman Johnathan Franklin and offensive coordinator Norm Chow told me Franklin had a very good day of practice.
Running back Derrick Coleman (knee surgery) returned to drills today, which puts him and Franklin in the mix for the fourth spot. Running back Milton Knox spent the day with the scout team players.
Finally, receiver Gavin Ketchum (mononucleosis) was in full gear and catching passes from quarterback Ben Olson in individual drills. Ketchum told me there was a chance he could be ready for BYU on Sept 13. Olson, meanwhile, still had his foot in a walking boot, but was in full gear and throwing passes.
As much as I liked Karl Dorrell as a person, I believe he didn't push his players hard enough, at least during games (I didn't see his practices). I like the fact that Neuheisel isn't letting his players get complacent and is fostering competition among the players. The team still has a long way to go to contend for anything, but establishing the right way to practice is important (no matter what Allen Iverson says).
WOW!! That is great news. I thought at the scrimmage Franklin showed the burst that is an absolute must at this level.
Jonathan I can see a big play happening for you very soon.
GO BRUINS!!
If Franklin's redshirt comes off, will he return kickoffs and leave Austin to return punts?
Given all the injuries to QB, glad to see Ben Olson throwing the ball at least. We need bodies at that position. All we have is Craft and Prince and Forcier.
Glad to see Coach Neu taking steps to burying the CKD culture once and for all (i.e., players being soft and laying eggs after a big win).
We were hard as nails.
Signed,
The Toledo Culture