Wednesday practice notes: Evans besting Adams

Cornerback Ishmael Adams was one of UCLA’s week-one stars, but has struggled more recently. Shaq Evans, in particular, seems to have made it his mission to abuse Adams after giving the redshirt freshman an earful of trash talk last week. On Wednesday, Evans’ best play was a tipped pass to himself for a score.

Adams should still be fine, but his lack of size is showing. He has also spent all of spring in a red jersey, but defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin said Adams could play a game now if necessary.

Evans, meanwhile, should figure to be a bigger red-zone target this season. Receivers coach Eric Yarber also said this about the senior: “I need him to be one of the leaders of the team. Even last year, all these young kids looked up to Shaq. If Shaq wasn’t having a good day, it was almost like the whole group wasn’t having a good day.”

» Jordan Payton likely remains ahead of Devin Lucien on the receiver depth chart heading into summer camp. Payton made a nice catch on Wednesday while double-covered by Anthony Jefferson and Dietrich Riley. Riley was consistently beaten in pass coverage, which may or may not be due to injury rust.

» Eldridge Massington is still rehabbing his ACL tear. He had a minor setback last week, but the main obstacle will likely be more mental than physical. Continue reading “Wednesday practice notes: Evans besting Adams” »

Kylie Fitts talks about adjusting to UCLA campus

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Early enrollee Kylie Fitts talks about adjusting to UCLA’s spring practices, his favorite part about college life, and missing his high school prom. The freshman sprained his ankle last week, but is out of his boot and hopes to be back in full for Thursday’s session.

Kylie Fitts picks UCLA

As most expected, four-star defensive end Kylie Fitts committed to UCLA Tuesday night, giving the Bruins an early start to what they hope will be an eventful Signing Day on Wednesday. Fitts will enroll for the spring quarter and arrive on campus April 1. He had originally committed to USC before the school told him he couldn’t enroll early.

Will he have more motivation against the Trojans in the future?

“To be honest, probably,” Fitts said. “I respect all the coaches. I think they’re a great school. But something inside me is going to push me a little harder in that game.”

Here’s the video of his press conference from the Riverside Press-Enterprise. He starts talking at the 30-minute mark after a lot of dead time. Continue reading “Kylie Fitts picks UCLA” »

Kylie Fitts announcing Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Defensive end Kylie Fitts was originally slated to make his announcement on Signing Day, but it looks like he wants to get the news out a little earlier. Fitts, who decommitted from the Trojans after they wouldn’t let him enroll early, took an unofficial to USC on Sunday after a trip to Utah. Notre Dame is in the picture as well, but eight Rivals.com and two Scout.com analysts unanimously have him going to UCLA.

Here’s a quick profile of the four-star lineman. Continue reading “Kylie Fitts announcing Tuesday at 7 p.m.” »