UCLA linebacker Deon Hollins talked about Isaako Savaiinaea’s performance filling in for Kenny Young (ejected), the defense’s injuries, and what was going through his mind in the final minute of the Bruins’ 24-23 win vs. BYU.
“It’s a testament to our toughness,” he said. “Last year, I don’t think we win that game.”
Jim Mora announced last Wednesday that Josh Rosen would be UCLA’s starting quarterback. A day later, Rosen and backup Jerry Neuheisel talked about how they each took the decision.
This week, their teammates shared some of their thoughts.
Linebacker Myles Jack, to Sports Illustrated’s Campus Rush: “Don’t be surprised if Josh wins the Heisman. I believe in Josh. Josh is going to be great. Nobody needs to worry about Josh. … Josh is really a cool guy, very about his business, very serious. I like his swagger on the field. He’s not really rattled. Like you can run your mouth at him and he’ll just kind of look at you and smile.”
Center Jake Brendel: “There’s spurts of greatness in him. There’s spurts in greatness in everyone on this team. The coaching staff must have seen those things and decided to go with him. … He’s very intelligent. That’s one of the great attributes about him. Continue reading “UCLA players weigh in on freshman quarterback Josh Rosen” »
UCLA head coach Jim Mora speaks during Pac-12 Football Media Days at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank on Thursday, July 30, 2015. (Sarah Reingewirtz/Staff)
Asiantii Woulard’s decision to transfer out of UCLA thinned out the Bruins’ quarterback rotation, but it also wasn’t a stunner.
“I had a feeling it was coming,” head coach Jim Mora said Thursday. “Some of the indicators that I got from him, and really kind of the way the spring went. There were some family issues. He wanted to get closer to home. He was struggling a little bit. I hope he does well.”
The former four-star recruit asked out of Westwood back in June, opting to go back to his home state and enroll at the University of South Florida. He is currently seeking a waiver to play immediately as a redshirt sophomore.
Mora said that while UCLA could have used Woulard in the still-undecided quarterback race, his departure also makes it easier for coaches to divide practice reps between Josh Rosen, Jerry Neuheisel and Mike Fafaul.
Some more notes from the UCLA’s portion of Pac-12 Media Days:
» Mora said there will be no additional punishment for five-star running back Soso Jamabo, who was arrested this summer for fleeing police — but never indicted. The Plano, Texas native enrolled along with the rest of the 2015 signing class, and will be ready when UCLA starts training camp in August.
» Asked about the status of cornerback Justin Combs, Mora said that there have been no changes to UCLA’s roster. The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is still deciding whether or not to press charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs for his alleged kettlebell fight at UCLA last month.
» Fourth-year starting center Jake Brendel only had good things to say about Rosen, who is widely expected by both fans and media to win the starting spot as a true freshman. Continue reading “Jim Mora: Asiantii Woulard’s transfer wasn’t a surprise” »
UCLA linebackers watch during the Bruins’ “Spring Showcase” at the Rose Bowl on April 24, 2015. (Keith Birmingham/Staff)
A program vying for the title of “Linebacker U” is about to enter what could be a very interesting season.
Anthony Barr needed just one offseason to turn himself into a dynamic pass rusher, and helped anchor the defense in Jim Mora’s first two seasons. Eric Kendricks was quietly consistent throughout his career, but peaked last fall on his way to a Butkus Award and UCLA’s all-time tackles record. Can Myles Jack seize that leadership role as well as his two predecessors?
All signs point to yes. Jack has impressed from almost the first practice snaps he took as a Bruin, and has proven himself to be one of the best cover linebackers in college football. While his sophomore season didn’t fulfill the all-world expectations set by his incredible two-way debut in 2013, he still finished with 87 tackles and seven pass breakups. Continue reading “UCLA spring camp position review: Linebackers” »
Deon Hollins talked about following UCLA’s recent line of impressive linebackers, his meetings with defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, and who gave him the toughest matchup in the Pac-12 last season.