Jim Mora and the UCLA football team will start spring practices on April 4. (Scott Varley/Daily Breeze)

A year ago, UCLA started spring practice with a new offensive coordinator, questions on defense and a search for a backup quarterback. None of those things have changed as the Bruins open camp Tuesday.

UCLA is coming off its worst season of the Jim Mora era, hoping to rise from the depths of a 4-8 finish with new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch and a retooled coaching staff.

Here’s the spring practice schedule. All practices are open to the public (come say hi if you swing by) and will be on the intramural fields (except for the Spring Showcase, which will be at Drake Stadium).

Here are my things to watch for this month’s practices: 

• Josh Rosen: All indications point to a healthy Rosen for spring after shoulder surgery in November. He’ll be working under his third offensive coordinator and third quarterbacks coach in as many years at UCLA. Not only is Rosen healthy for practice, but Mora said recently on ProFootballTalk Live that the quarterback has “really matured,” which will “enable him to reach his potential” under Fisch.
• Backup quarterbacks: Despite a gutsy performance from Mike Fafaul last year, UCLA needs an upgrade at backup quarterback. Devon Modster was elevated to QB2 late last season after Rosen was officially ruled out, so it’s likely the Tesoro High product will get first crack at the backup spot this year. Fellow redshirt freshman Matt Lynch will battle with Modster while UCLA also brought in early enrollee Austin Burton, a three-star quarterback from Florida.
• New offense: Mora shies away from labels when it comes to his offenses, but he has said previously that this scheme under Fisch will be a “Sunday system.” What exactly that looks like? We’ll have to see this month. Prior to the Super Bowl, Mora said UCLA’s new offense might look somewhat similar to those of Super Bowl participants New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
  • Fisch spoke recently to the Detroit News about his decision to come to UCLA, saying the opportunity to run his own offense was too good of an opportunity to pass up
• Defensive rotations: The Bruins are a long way from filling their many open starting positions on defense, but seeing how some of the initial lineups shake out this month gives an indication of where the coaching staff is leaning.
• Freshman star-power: Five-star signees Jaelan Phillips and Darnay Holmes will likely be in the mix for playing time on defense. UCLA needs a starting cornerback opposite Nate Meadors and Holmes could fit the bill. Phillips is the natural replacement for Takkarist McKinley at the edge rushing position, but will also be competing with Keisean Lucier-South.
• Special teams: After difficult freshman campaigns, placekicker J.J. Molson and punter Austin Kent might be in for competition during spring practice. Both lost their starting jobs to walk-ons at different times last season. Kent, who often struggled with his confidence during his uneven performance, could especially benefit from a good spring as the North Carolina native punted in only one of the final five games following his disastrous minus-1-yard punt against Washington State.
• Welcome back: Besides Rosen, a few other players are coming off major injuries and could contribute this season. Kolton Miller, who is coming off a broken ankle, is the likely replacement for left tackle Conor McDermott. Paco Perez missed all of last season after preseason knee surgery and could really help boost UCLA’s much-needed offensive line depth. It’s been nearly a year since we heard from receiver Demetric Felton, a former four-star recruit who injured his shoulder in spring practice last year. With the difficulties at receiver last year, a healthy Felton could make an impact for UCLA this year. Defensive lineman Marcus Moore missed the entirety of his freshman year with a back injury.
• Redshirts no more: With a year on the scout team behind them, receivers Damian Alloway and Audie Omotosho are hoping to crack the rotation this season. Linebacker Mique Juarez rejoined the team for winter workouts and will be one of the most scrutinized players this spring as he returns to the field.
• Get in line: It’s nearly impossible to judge an offensive line off practice. Things are going half-speed and there’s limited contact, but the improvement of the offensive line is critical for the Bruins. New coach Hank Fraley has his hands full after UCLA’s dismal line performance last year.