UCLA Bruins set to begin spring football practices
UCLA head coach Jim Mora heads into spring practices looking to get the Bruins into the Pac-12 Championship Game for the first time in his tenure after back-to-back 10-win seasons. One consistent option for Mora over his first three seasons in Westwood was quarterback Brett Hundley. With Hundley gone as an early NFL entry, the Bruins have a big hole to fill under center and must break-in new defensive coordinator Tom Bradley through the 14 scheduled practices.
The early morning practices to be held at Spaulding Field will focus on several key positions but the one battle everyone is most interested to see play out is between junior Jerry Neuheisel and early enrollee freshman Josh Rosen at quarterback.
Neuheisel appeared in two games in 2014 leading the Bruins to a 20-17 win over Texas on the road. Against the Longhorns the Los Angeles area native completed 23 of 30 passes for 178 yards tossing two touchdowns without a pick. In his only other appearance he completed 3 of 9 passes for 16 yards with an interception against Stanford.
Rosen on the other hand came to UCLA widely considered the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the nation as part of the 2015 recruiting class. The former St. John Bosco High School star, along with sophomore Asiantii Woulard, should make for one of the more intriguing offseason quarterback battles not only in the Pac-12 but in the nation.
On defense UCLA must contend with another early NFL departure, defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy. The 6’5”, 330 pounder, was a key backup for the Bruins last season coming up with 21 tackles and 3.0 sacks for a loss of 19 yards. The Bruins also lost Butkus Award Winning linebacker Erick Kendricks and cornerback Anthony Jefferson to graduation.
Other key position battles to watch for during the spring include JUCO transfer Zach Bateman verses 2014 starter Caleb Benenoch and Eddie Vanderdoes against Kenny Clark and redshirt freshman Ainuu Taua on the defensive line.
UCLA returns to the Rose Bowl for their Spring Showcase after playing their spring game at the StubHub Center in Carson last year.
UCLA Spring Practice Schedule
Tuesday, March 31 – 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 2 – 7:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 4 – 9:30 a.m.
Monday, April 6 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8 – 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 9 – 7:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 11 – 9:30 a.m.
Monday, April 13 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15 – 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 16 – 7:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 18 – 9:30 a.m.
Monday, April 20 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22 – 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 23 – 7:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 25 – 10:00 a.m. (at the Rose Bowl)
Written by Ryan Wright
Photo credit: espngo.com; No. 11 Jerry Neuheisel carried off the field by his teammates after leading UCLA past Texas.