UCLA receiver Jordan Lasley still focused on controlling emotions

Jordan Lasley has been waiting to make an impact on the field.

A three-star recruit in 2014, the UCLA receiver missed his first week of camp last summer for violating team rules. This past spring, he drew most attention not for making catches, but for his numerous scuffles with defensive backs.

But after being taken out of one scrimmage for a particularly egregious outburst, Lasley seemed to gain a better handle on his emotions.

“The message was, ‘You’re going to be one of the better players out here,'” receivers coach Eric Yarber said in April. “‘If you’re fighting all the time, you’re not going to be on the field contributing to the team. You’re going to be right next to me, sitting on the bench .'”

That’s a trend the Bruins hope continues. After redshirting last fall, Lasley should figure into UCLA’s deep receiver rotation — as long as he doesn’t take himself off the field. While he appears to be making progress, the road isn’t always straight. On Tuesday, he got tangled up with junior cornerback Ishmael Adams, one of the biggest talkers on the team.

Asked what he’s done to help himself mentally, Lasley said: “Just letting stuff go. That’s the main thing. Just letting stuff go, and not taking stuff so serious. Not taking everything personal. … I’m an emotional player, but sometimes I just have to keep my stuff internal.”