Video: Jim Mora, Soso Jamabo, Ishmael Adams, Nate Iese

Head coach Jim Mora talks about the running back competition, playing in College Station and Texas A&M.


Running back Soso Jamabo talks about going back to Texas, competing with the other running backs and working with running backs coach/offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu.


Receiver Ishmael Adams talks about how comfort level at his new position, what his pitch for the No. 1 jersey would be and what the new game jerseys are like.


Tight end Nate Iese talks about refining his catching ability, working with the other tight ends and developing as a blocker.

Ishmael Adams, Josh Rosen earn more watch list honors

UCLA's Ishmael Adams (1) returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

UCLA’s Ishmael Adams (1) returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

UCLA defensive-back-turned-wide-receiver Ishmael Adams was named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award on Thursday.

The award honors the most versatile player in the nation. The senior is expected to make a full-time switch to wide receiver after playing at defensive back while also returning punts and kickoffs.

Quarterback Josh Rosen was named to the watch list for the Walter Camp Player of the Year.

Bruins on watch lists

  • DT Eddie Vanderdoes (Bednarik, Outland, Nagurski)
  • QB Josh Rosen (Maxwell, O’Brien, Walter Camp)
  • DB Fabian Moreau (Nagurski)
  • OL Conor McDermmott (Outland)
  • Head coach Jim Mora (Dodd)
  • S Jaleel Wadood (Thorpe)
  • WR/DB Ishmael Adams (Hornung)

Ishmael Adams likely to stay at receiver

Ishmael Adams made a transition to receiver from cornerback during the spring. Photo by Michael Owen Baker

Ishmael Adams made a transition to receiver from cornerback during the spring. Photo by Michael Owen Baker

On Tuesday’s Pac-12 coaches conference call, UCLA head coach Jim Mora said Ishmael Adams could be staying at receiver for the long haul after a stellar spring camp.

“Nothing is ever off the table, but it’s not something we’re looking at at this time,” Mora said of putting Adams back on defense. “Ish looks like he’s going to be such a threat offensively, you don’t want to overload him.”

Mora added that Adams could move back “if needed” as the team searches for ways to always get its best players on the field.

Mora praised Adams’ development as a route runner, calling the cornerback-turned-receiver a “gym rat” who studies film with receivers coach Eric Yarber constantly.

“He really developed as a route runner,” Mora said. “It’s not easy. It’s an art. There’s an art to running routes and it was real exciting to see the development he made as a route runner.”

Quarterback Josh Rosen and receiver Eldridge Massington both voiced their support of Adams’ move to offense, with the quarterback saying he definitely wants to keep Adams on offense and that his newest receiver “isn’t going anywhere.”