Q: Tom Bradley vs. Jeff Ulbrich — Differences at practice, with the media, with players? What differences are we likely to see on the field?
A: Very different people, both in terms of personality and experience. On the field, UCLA should immediately benefit from having an experienced college defensive coordinator for the first time in the Jim Mora era. The defense arguably underachieved last season considering its talent, wavering between average and above-average for long stretches. Bradley, who is one of the most well-regarded coordinators in country, should turn that around.
Off the field, Ulbrich was a more fiery guy. You saw that in his sideline exchange with Mora during UCLA’s loss to Oregon last season. It’s difficult to imagine that happening with Bradley, whom linebacker Myles Jack called a “Yoda figure” back in spring.
As for media interactions, I’d give Ulbrich the edge. He was a bigger personality, and that resulted in some great quotes as well as useful information. Bradley is fine to deal with as well, but he keeps things closer to the vest.
Q: How does the D-Line two-deep look this year compared to last year? Last year it seems that sometimes they would get pushed around. Do players like Jacob Tuoti-Mariner, Eli Ankou, Matt Dickerson, Ainuu Taua, Rick Wade, and Najee Toran look much improved and/or ready to contribute?
A: Definitely improved, even though UCLA loses Owamagbe Odighizuwa. A full offseason of development for Takkarist McKinley will help fill that hole, but the JUCO transfer just isn’t that caliber of player yet. Tuioti-Mariner and Matt Dickerson both look very promising, and Wade looked physically ready to play at this level right when he arrived at camp.
Q: Any predictions on how many sacks the Bruin D will get against Virginia?
A: I’d probably put the over-under at 2.5.
Q: How long do you think Ishmael Adams is going to be out?
A: At least until his case is finished, so the quickest route would be if he’s able to plead down to a misdemeanor charge. His first court date is scheduled for Sept. 22.
Q: When is construction of the Wasserman football facility projected to be finished? Will the new practice field still only be 70 or 80 yards long?
A: Projected for fall 2017, but no real construction has has happened in that area since the groundbreaking ceremony last week. Not sure there’s going to be space for a full-size field, though. There just isn’t very much real estate in that area, and it’s a huge accomplishment just to be able to squeeze a team building in there.
Q: Will the coaches be a little more judicious about playing true freshman this year since the team seems to be deeper this year? Obviously impact players like Josh Rosen will play, but I’d like to see the team play only a handful of true freshmen.
A: I’d expect the staff to be much more conservative with playing true freshmen than it has the past several years, but look for a guy like Bolu Olorunfunmi to maybe get some run.
Q: What’s the O-line 2-deep looking like for season opener?
A: Starters are set, so the two-deep should look something like this.
1) LT Conor McDermott, LG Kenny Lacy, C Jake Brendel, RG Alex Redmond, RT Caleb Benenoch
2) LT Kolton Miller, LG Fred Ulu-Perry, C Alex Redmond, RG Poasi Moala, RT Zach Bateman
Q: Where in the world is Simon Goines? Has his health improved from the medical condition? Will he play this year?
A: He has not dressed for practice at all yet. I would not be shocked if he ended up sitting out the season, particularly given the depth UCLA now has on the offensive line.
Q: Why isn’t anyone talking about Thomas Duarte? He is a starter, had some amazing catches last year and is an incredibly dependable receiver. Seems like he may be poised to have a breakout year!
A: I really like Duarte as a player, and was expecting a big breakout last season. I think the fact that UCLA has true freshman at quarterback is limiting the hype for its receivers. Duarte has also struggled with an on-and-off hamstring injury.