New UCLA head coach Deshaun Foster makes a gesture during Friday Night Lights spring practice Friday night at the Wasserman Football Center on the UCLA campus. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The UCLA football program has completed its first spring training with Deshaun Foster at the helm.
As we watched how things unfolded over the past few weeks, here are some things we learned.
warm welcome
Since taking over the program, Foster has not only been on a mission to keep talent on the roster, but he has also focused on engaging with the UCLA community.
Foster implemented the Friday Night Lights practice event, which was considered a success and carried out the vision he put into action. The practice drew hundreds of recruits and their families to watch practice on the field, while also inviting fans to watch from the parking lot overlooking the Wasserman Football Center.
The first-year coach carried that momentum with the program's first spring showcase event at the Rose Bowl since 2015.
According to a statement from the university, 11,703 people took part in the tournament, which saw both offense and defense compete in a variety of situations.
The soccer program also features former players.
Former running back Maurice Jones-Drew, linebacker Chris Barnes and offensive lineman John Gaines II were among the graduates who visited campus to watch practice on April 6. Several others showed up to the Spring Showcase to mingle, including recently drafted edge rusher Laiatu Latu. Finish the event by signing autographs for your fans.
Currently recruiting
Under Foster and his staff, recruiting has taken a step in the right direction. Director of Player Personnel Stacey Ford receives high praise from parents of local recruits.
The program is beginning to receive visits from upcoming high school classes and top talent currently enrolled in the campus portal.
Foster and his assistants will begin hosting official visits from players and their families this weekend, and coaches will take the next step in their recruiting efforts as they begin the road in search of additional 2025 prospects.
receiver depth
The receiving room looks promising and deep. Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, who didn't play at all last season, could be ready for a big season. The junior, who caught 17 passes for 290 yards in 2022 after transferring from Central Florida, was impressive all spring, throwing every ball.
Rico Flores Jr., a transfer from Notre Dame, was active with the second team early in spring training, but on Tuesday appeared to be rotating in first-team reps with Logan Loya.
Loya (59 catches, 655 yards, 5 TDs) and J. Michael Strudivant (36 catches, 597 yards, 4 TDs) return after serving as the top receivers last season. It was a fairly quiet spring for Strudivant, who spent some time nursing an injury.
edge help
In 2023, the Bruins' pass rush led the defense with the addition of Latu, Gabriel, and Grayson Murphy. With all three currently pursuing NFL careers, talent and depth at edge rusher appears to be limited.
Senior defensive end Devin Opiu and Navy transfer Jacob Busic worked on the first-team defense throughout the spring.
Foster hinted that the coaching staff is looking to address position needs in the portal.
full back
Foster noted that new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy introduced his version of the West Coast offense to the Bruins throughout the spring.
It appears running back Anthony Adkins may have an increased role this season. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound junior was seen lining up as a fullback during practice, but was sidelined last week with an undisclosed injury.
