Eldridge Massington, Matt Lynch after practice April 20

Receiver Eldridge Massington talks about the deal he made with his coaches to not go to the track on his off days anymore, the difference with the new coaching staff and moving on after last year’s disappointment.

Quarterback Matt Lynch talks about the backup competition, what he learned while he was redshirting and how he’s changed his throwing motion.

Training camp day 2: Matt Lynch shines in 7-on-7

Offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu conducts drills at practice. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova/Staff photographer

Offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu conducts drills at practice. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova/Staff photographer

Here’s my main story for the day on what Ishmael Adams and Kennedy Polamalu have in common and how that comes out on the field.

Smaller notebook items on the depth at wide receiver, the running back competition and the deal with the No. 1 jersey.

A column from Mark Whicker about Conor McDermott and Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett. It includes an amusing quote from McDermott’s mom about her son going through the lunch line multiple times in high school to put on weight.

Photos from day 2.

Video interviews:

Notes/observations from practice: Continue reading “Training camp day 2: Matt Lynch shines in 7-on-7” »

Spring practice day 3: Bruins suit up in pads for first time

Freshman linebacker Mique Juarez took some snaps with the first team defense on Saturday. Photo by Brad Graverson // Daily Breeze

Freshman linebacker Mique Juarez took some snaps with the first team defense on Saturday. Photo by Brad Graverson // Daily Breeze

The Bruins wrapped up the first week of spring practice Saturday with their first practice in full pads.

Watch video of Jim Mora’s press conference here

Read today’s notebook that focuses on the team’s balance of coaching and competition

Notes and observations:

Jim Mora was happy with the team’s ability to practice safely in pads (i.e. minimal tackling to the ground, not going after collisions too aggressively, etc.) while still maintaining physicality and competitiveness.

— False starts continue to be a problem under the new snap counts, and Mora attributed it to “a lack of concentration.” The head coach noted that the problem generally improves as practice goes on, so he would like to see better concentration at the start of the session. Offensive lineman Kenny Lacy was probably the most penalized player on Saturday and spent a large amount of time running laps for false starting. Continue reading “Spring practice day 3: Bruins suit up in pads for first time” »

Four-star quarterback Devon Modster commits to UCLA

UCLA has landed a commitment from four-star quarterback Devon Modster, shoring up depth chart that looked very thin behind soon-to-be sophomore star Josh Rosen.

The Tesoro High standout was selected for the OC Register’s All-County team this past season, throwing for 3,355 yards and 25 touchdowns while accounting for 14 of his team’s 29 rushing scores. He had committed to Arizona in April, but reopened his recruitment on New Year’s Eve. After taking a visit to UCLA this past weekend, Modster announced for the Bruins on Monday afternoon.

The 6-foot-1, 217-pound dual threat is ranked by Scout.com as the fourth-best 2016 quarterback in California, and is UCLA’s second commitment at the position. Three-star prospect Matt Lynch signed a financial aid agreement with the Bruins, and is expected to enroll for spring quarter.

Besides Rosen, the only other quarterback on UCLA’s roster with any experience is former walk-on Mike Fafaul, who has thrown four career passes for 24 yards.

Receiver Theo Howard among 2016 signees enrolled at UCLA

UCLA has lost five players as early entries into the 2016 NFL draft, but are set to welcome just as many newcomers this week.

Five 2016 recruits have enrolled as Bruins, according to the UCLA Registrar: receiver Theo Howard, linebacker Breland Brandt, linebacker Lokeni Toailoa, defensive back Leni Toailoa, and kicker JJ Molson.

Monday is the first day of classes for UCLA’s winter quarter. Molson’s arrival in Westwood will be delayed by a week, due to his participation in the Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 9 in San Antonio.

Quarterback Matt Lynch, receiver Demetric Felton and defensive tackle Nick Terry have also signed financial aid agreements with UCLA, but are not yet listed on the registrar.