For a moment, it seemed as if nothing had changed. UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond walked to the practice field Tuesday morning and spotted a new football coach in a familiar spot.
“He got me there at running back,” Deshaun Foster said with a smile after the Bruins' second and first public appearance of spring practice. “I was like, oh, if I had come out here a little earlier, you would have seen me on the defensive field.”
After making the transition from running backs coach to head coach, Foster has made some changes of his own in an effort to not only welcome fans, recruits and former players to practice, but also to give the team a more family-like atmosphere. Ta. As anyone who has been a part of the program for decades may remember, it was the first time his name was emblazoned on the back of a jersey.
Was this done so that the staff, which included six new coaches, could get the players up to speed faster? Foster wanted to make things easier for reporters.
“I think you have to know who the players are, not just the numbers,” Foster said. “It's good for coaches to remember everyone's names, but I thought it would be better for you to see the people.”
Spring practice followed the same rhythm as usual. A whistle sounded, the body accelerated, and the blue padded dummy fell to the ground with a thud and jumped up.
One voice repeatedly rose above the others. It belonged to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who didn't like what he saw, so he put the players back in the huddle.
“We should communicate with each other!” Bieniemy yelled.
Foster said he loved Bieniemy's energy in the early days of implementing the West Coast offense.
“My number one pillar is discipline, you all know that,” Foster said. “I'm excited about that. He's moving the players and holding them to the standards he wants them to live up to. And I think that's going to help us get to where we want to go.”
As expected, quarterback Ethan Garbers connected with the first team and showed some nice touches on a crossing route to J. Michael Sturdivant and a deep pass along the sideline to Titus Mokiao-Atimalala. But Foster said all starting positions are open.
TJ Harden could be pushed into the starting running back role by Keegan Jones. Not only did Jones return to UCLA after entering the transfer portal, but he is also returning to his old position after being used primarily as a receiver last season.
“They took one of my toys away from me,” Foster said. “I got him back.”
Foster said his first priority before temporarily stepping down as the Las Vegas Raiders' running backs coach is to ensure Jones can be rehired as a running back in UCLA's offense. Last season, Jones averaged a team-high 10.9 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
“His explosiveness to the touch is unparalleled,” Foster said. There are many players with that kind of speed. ”
Looking around the excited practice field, Foster said he wanted to be a part of his alma mater's debut season.
“This is what the Bruin family needed,” Foster said. “You know, we don't need to be shut down or isolated. This is, look at this. This needs to be shown, people need to see this. So I'm excited about it. I loved that we had a lot of new recruits and the fans were there to support us. Let's take them to the Rose Bowl.”
Latest injury information
quarterback Colin Schley Coach Foster said Schley did not practice because he is recovering from an unspecified injury, but he hopes to have him back later in the week. …run back Deshun Murrell Foster said he is recovering from a continuous anterior cruciate ligament injury. We should have a better idea of his possible return this season by fall training camp. …offensive lineman benjamin roy jr. Foster said he is working on back issues. … wide receiver braeden pegan It seems he injured his shoulder during practice.
etc.
Foster talked about safety. brian addisontransfer from Oregon State, linebacker Ale Kaho He was to be granted seven years of eligibility. Kaho is scheduled to practice later in the week, working his way back to form after missing last season with an injury. …Foster said Mokiao-Athimalala, who practiced last season but did not play for unspecified reasons, should be able to play this season. … Siare Taupaki Moving from the offensive line to the defensive line, dovid magna I turned on the reverse switch. …Foster said jerry neuheisel The move from wide receivers coach to tight ends coach will likely accelerate his desire to call plays. …defensive lineman quintin somerville and defensive back Isiah Newcombe Foster said he is no longer part of the program.
