Offensive line coach Hank Fraley talks to his players during UCLA football practice at Spaulding Field on campus Friday, August 04, 2017, Westwood, CA. (Photo by Steve McCrank, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

UCLA had a solid idea for its starting offensive line, but halfway through training camp, offensive line Hank Fraley made a change. He moved redshirt freshman Michael Alves into the No. 1 unit at right guard, which pushed Andre James to right tackle and put Kenny Lacy and Sunny Odogwu firmly with the second group at left and right tackle, respectively.

Despite some early struggles, Alves has proven to be worth the trouble.

“I’ve been trying my best, do whatever I can to be on the field,” Alves said. “Actually (Fraley) seems pretty impressed with the film. It’s just doing whatever I can to stay on the field.”

More on Alves’ recent promotion and what it means for the offensive line

Video interviews

• Jacob Tuioti-Mariner
• Octavius Spencer
• Giovanni Gentosi

Notes and observations for Day 17: Continue reading “UCLA football training camp day 17: Offensive line shakeups” »

Caleb Wilson #81 of the UCLA Bruins carries the bal against Kavika Luafatasaga #55 of the Utah Utes during PAC12 college football game at Rose Bowl on October 22, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Caleb Wilson is already one of UCLA’s most consistent pass catchers and now the redshirt sophomore tight end is trying to be one of the team’s most consistent blockers as well.

“I was always confident in the pass game, but in the run game I used to get a little nervous because I was on the lighter end,” Wilson said. “But I’ve gotten stronger and I’ve gotten better with my hands. I’m just trusting my feet.”

More on Wilson’s improvement, as well as the rest of the tight end unit

Video interviews

• Matt Dickerson
• Osa Odighizuwa
• Michael Alves
• Najee Toran

Notes and observations for Day 15: Continue reading “UCLA football training camp day 16: Tight ends focus on blocking” »

UCLA football quarterback Devon Modster(18) passes the ball as the other quarterbacks look on as the team continues its training camp in Los Angeles Tuesday, August 15, 2017. (Photo by Thomas R. Cordova, Daily News/SCNG)

UCLA hopes it won’t have to turn to a backup quarterback for the second straight year, but the Bruins know the importance of the position all too well. If disaster strikes twice at UCLA, it will be Devon Modster who would step in for Josh Rosen. The former Tesoro High standout has proven to be an effective dual threat, but is working on developing his voice in the huddle.

“We’re asking him to really push himself out of his comfort zone,” offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch said. “Be louder, be more demonstrative, be more animated, but that comes with confidence and you have to kind of have that feel like, ‘I really know this.’”

More on UCLA’s backup quarterback situation

Video interviews

• Rip Scherer
• Jordan Wilson
• Caleb Wilson 
• Jimmy Jaggers

Notes and observations from Day 15: Continue reading “UCLA football training camp day 15: Backup QBs progressing” »

Christian Pabico hauls in a pass during practice on Aug. 15, 2017. (Photo by Thomas R. Cordova/SCNG)

After three years of being a loyal scout-team member, Christian Pabico is finally getting his chance. The walk-on receiver has turned into a star of training camp, rising from fourth string to potential starter in two weeks.

He’s worked with the No. 1 offense since the sixth day of practice. He catches the ball consistently. He runs the right routes. He knows the playbook. He does everything right and that’s why everyone on his team loves him.

“It’s the fourth year for him and a lot of the walk-ons battle their butts off every single day,” quarterback Josh Rosen said. “He kind of waited for this shot patiently for years and here it is and he’s seizing the moment.”

More about UCLA’s best-kept secret that’s suddenly out of the bag

Video interviews

• Jim Mora
• Austin Burton

Here are notes and observations from Day 15 Continue reading “UCLA football training camp day 14: Christian Pabico seizes moment” »