UCLA camp notes: Injured players could return to practice Monday

» Defensive end Takkarist McKinley suffered a head injury during Wednesday morning’s practice and has not dressed or been out on the field since. Offensive lineman Tevita Halalilo is also suffering from a concussion, but head coach Jim Mora said the true freshman is now asymptomatic.

Both could return as soon as Monday, when UCLA will resume practices on campus in Westwood.

The same timeline goes for both left tackle Conor McDermott (knee) and center Jake Brendel (calf), both of whom have been dressed for practice but held out of team drills. Mora said McDermott, who underwent an MRI on Tuesday, could have participated today if necessary.

Receiver Tyler Scott appeared to pull his groin during a one-on-one drill.

» The quarterback competition finally seems to be shrinking down to one that includes just true freshman Josh Rosen and returning backup Jerry Neuheisel. Redshirt junior Mike Fafaul has only taken third-team reps for the last couple of practices. Continue reading “UCLA camp notes: Injured players could return to practice Monday” »

UCLA’s Jim Mora: ‘I’m an asshole’ in practices to toughen up players

No, Jim Mora isn’t always the nicest guy around. On Wednesday, for instance, the UCLA head coach ended practice by lighting into freshman quarterback Josh Rosen — taking issue with his effort on a particular pass.

But for all the critical headlines it drummed up, Mora said he wouldn’t do anything differently.

“Am I an asshole?” he said Thursday at Cal State San Bernardino. “Yeah, I’m an asshole. Out here, I’m an asshole.”

In other words, he does it because he cares. Continue reading “UCLA’s Jim Mora: ‘I’m an asshole’ in practices to toughen up players” »