UCLA football spring practice on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (Photo credit, Axel Koester)
LOS ANGELES — The defense was the focus of UCLA football's third spring practice Saturday morning.
The defense picked up four interceptions during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills and forced more incomplete passes due to pressure and pass breakups. Although the contact was toned down, I could still hear the pad cracking.
“Practice has become more physical,” defensive lineman Keanu Williams told reporters. “We needed that. I'm glad we implemented it. We're in a big conference, so we have to play against great guys. So we need to be a little more physical than we were before. There is.”
Saturday's practice started with a physical aspect. The entire team gathered together, and a one-on-one push-and-push battle took place in the center. The players chosen were pre-determined in a team meeting before practice, and they would literally compete to see who could push their opponent harder and get them over the line.
Linebacker Cain Medrano faced running back TJ Harden. Medrano smiled and reluctantly admitted to reporters that TJ won.
“It's just to get the energy up early in practice,” Medrano said. “It's something light to boost your energy and nothing to put a strain on your body.”
Ikaika Marleau is in his first year in dual roles as defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. Head coach Deshaun Foster and Medrano say the defense remains similar to last season, with the exception of some terminology changes.
The defense will have to adapt to the Bruins' new NFL-style offense, which requires longer breaks between plays.
“It gave our defense a little bit of time to catch their breath,” Medrano said. “So for the defense, every play is about as much effort as they can because they have six or seven seconds between each play to catch their breath, regroup and go from there. Because it is necessary.”
Linebacker and current freshman Ty Lee intercepted Luke Duncan in a 7-on-7 practice, and early enrollee Christian Dunbar-Hawkins picked off Justin Martin in an 11-on-11 practice. Transfer Ramon Henderson, who previously played at Notre Dame, picked off two passes from Ethan Garbers in two 11-on-11 periods.
“It was a great day,” Williams said of Henderson. “He's flipping the ball. This is a collective effort on the back end. Everybody's in their cover spot, everybody's where they're supposed to be.”
Schley enters the transfer portal
Quarterback Colin Schley entered the transfer portal Thursday, Foster confirmed.
“I think he wants to be close to home,” Foster said. “I love Colin, he had a great season for us last season. We would like him to stay, which I completely understand. It’s difficult for our kids to live all over the United States.”
The remaining quarterbacks on UCLA's spring roster are Ethan Garbers, Justin Martin, Chase Griffin and Luke Duncan. Garbers has received most of the first-team repetitions so far in spring practice, but on Saturday he made several accurate passes from Justin Martin from tight spots.
Foster did not say whether he would search for another quarterback in the transfer portal.
“(We have) nine days to see if we address it,” Foster said. “But I'm excited about this room, it's a deep QB room. It's going to give some other guys some chances, so I'm excited to see if they're ready to play.” is.”
