UCLA running back Nate Starks talked about his go-ahead touchdown to cap the Bruins’ 24-23 win over BYU last Saturday, as well as his development behind starter Paul Perkins.
Nate Starks is making sure he makes the most of his time with the Paul Perkins. The way he sees it, he won’t be sharing a backfield with the UCLA star for much longer.
“He’s my mentor,” Starks said of Perkins on Saturday. “He’s the No. 1 guy right now. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from him. He’s gonna be out of here soon. I’m gonna be the next guy up. I want to be ready when my time comes.”
Asked if he expects Perkins to declare for the NFL draft next spring, the sophomore back said: “I mean, Paul’s the man. So I’m thinking so, yeah.” Continue reading “Nate Starks expects UCLA RB Paul Perkins to declare for NFL draft” »
Josh Rosen (3) and Jerry Neuheisel (11) listen to UCLA quarterbacks coach Taylor Mazzone at Cal State San Bernardino on Aug. 12, 2015. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Staff)
» UCLA still technically has three quarterbacks competing to start, but after three days, it’s clear that Jerry Neuheisel and Josh Rosen are sharing the bulk of meaningful reps. Even when other Bruins have been asked about the race, they’ve usually discussed it purely as a Neuheisel vs. Rosen situation.
Mike Fafaul, who earned a scholarship this summer, got most of his action in seven-on-sevens today.
Neuheisel had his best day yet in training camp, and looks as if he’s taken a couple of steps forward since a relatively uninspiring spring. However, it’s going to take a lot to surpass both what Rosen has shown in practices and the higher ceiling he presents — even if Neuheisel is the one with meaningful game experience.
» A few notes on running backs. Nate Starks looks a bit more explosive than he did even in spring, and is now breaking off long runs at least once per practice.
So far, Bolu Olorunfunmi looks like a guy that could figure into the backfield rotation, though that may not be necessary given the existing depth at tailback. He won’t blow anyone away with highlights right now, but he has enough speed and can lower his shoulder into a defender or two. Continue reading “UCLA camp notes: Jerry Neuheisel takes first-team quarterback reps” »
UCLA running back Nate Starks during football practice at UCLA on April 20, 2015. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff)
UCLA found backfield stability last season in the form of Paul Perkins, who broke out and became the first Bruin to lead the conference in rushing since 2001. As long as he’s healthy, the running game should churn along smoothly.
But what will make UCLA’s next quarterback even happier is the depth behind Perkins. One of the intriguing performances this spring camp came from Nate Starks, who had a promising albeit limited role as a true freshman last season. Starks only had 31 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns, but those stats don’t accurately show how impressive some of those runs were. He also had his best game when UCLA needed him most, in a 17-7 win over Arizona. Against the Wildcats, Starks had five carries for 41 yards, including a 21-yarder on 3rd-and-11 deep in UCLA territory. He was also the primary back on the Bruins’ first fourth-quarter drive.
Last month, UCLA leaned a little harder on him. Perkins is the clear No. 1 on the roster, but Starks got a healthy share of first-team reps through camp too — and for the most part, proved he deserved them. Continue reading “UCLA spring camp position review: Running backs” »
— UCLA broke away from the way its two-by-two quarterback rotation for the first time this spring, but it still didn’t technically eliminate anyone from the race. Instead, Jerry Neuheisel, Josh Rosen, Asiantii Woulard and Mike Fafaul each got a turn running the first-team offense in 11-on-11 scrimmages.
No one in the group really had a bad day, but again, Rosen stood out. His feel in the pocket has been excellent through spring, and he looks particularly impressive rolling out to his right and throwing downfield. On one such play, he connected with running back Roosevelt Davis about 30 yards down the sideline. He also made a great throw to Thomas Duarte, squeezing the ball through a tight window on a play in which the receiver didn’t really look open until he actually made the catch.
The timing of some of the plays counted for something too. Rosen was able to get the offense out of third-and-long on his first series, after the offensive line backed him up with back-to-back false starts. There was a healthy crowd out watching from parking lot 8 today, and broke into applause more than once.
Woulard was the runner-up in the competition today, putting in arguably his best showing as a Bruin. He had a long touchdown to Aaron Sharp, and seems to have also developed good chemistry with redshirt freshman Jordan Lasley. Continue reading “UCLA spring camp notes: Four quarterbacks share first-team reps” »