Sunday practice wrap-up
Some final thoughts on UCLA's workout Sunday. The Bruins are scheduled to practice twice Monday, the first workout from 9 to 11 a.m. at Spaulding Field:
Offensive play of the day: Although redshirt freshman tailback Johnathan Franklin had the longest gain in any live drill with his 40-yard run, it was freshman receiver Ricky Marvray that came through with several impressive catches, the most signifcant a diving reception in the end zone in between two converging defenders on an underthrown 20-yard pass by Kevin Prince during 7-on-7 red zone drills. Marvray also added a leaping 25-yard reception over the middle and in coverage on a pass by Richard Brehaut and hauled in a 15-yard pass by Kevin Craft along the sideline.
Defensive play of the day: Reggie Carter and Akeem Ayers aren't just limited to stopping the run, as both linebackers are showing they can cover UCLA receivers with consistency as well. Although Ayers came away with interceptions on consecutive passes by Kevin Craft during 7-on-7 drills, Carter's deflection of Prince's attempt during red zone drills that prevented Gavin Ketchum from catching a touchdown pass was another example as to why the fifth-year senior should be considered an All-America candidate.
Special teams play of the day: Most of the focus Sunday was on punt coverage, with few live situations as a result. But after a rare drop Saturday that cost him 50 pushups, senior Terrence Austin demonstrated why he was UCLA's leader in all-purpose yards last year, catching every kick that came his direction, including weaving his way through potential tacklers for a gain of 20 yards on his first return.
Unsung hero of the day: Not many throws are coming in the direction of redshirt freshman defensive back Aaron Hester, but when they do, the Dominguez of Compton graduate is either knocking the ball away or quickly wrapping up the receiver. Hester is quietly establishing himself as a force in the secondary with senior Alterraun Verner, sophomores Tony Dye and Rahim Moore, and freshman Stan McKay.
Quote of the day: "When you have Terrence Austin and Randall Carroll, the California state champion (at 100 and 200 meters), how could you not want to throw the ball deep?" freshman receiver Ricky Marvray, who is also establishing himself as a deep threat in UCLA's offense, which is looking to stretch the field more this season.
Thanks Erik for the fine job you are doing keeping us informed. I really like your best of the day section.
Now get some well earned sleep.
Thanks Erik, Jill and Jon for the great coverage you have been providing. Brian who?
Great work, Eric. I can actually see the plays in my mind's eye. You have a stellar grasp of what we Bruin supporters want to see, hear, feel, and believe.
i think there should be a mandatory update/coverage on the recruits we are most interested in, like how they looked and are developing. like i havent heard anything about how randall carroll is doing...and not much for morrell presley. x-man and hasiak should be in that list too.
"...mandatory update/coverage..." Anonymous, really, be grateful there's any information at all. As far as I know, you're not paying a penny so you have no right to insist on anything. Geez.
Could you be objective? I thought the cheerleading was reserved for the Daily Bruin.
Good grief.
What cheerleading? Anon is probably just another troll who doesn't want to hear that there is more energy and excitement at camp than there has been in several years.
but i like cheerleading