San Bernardino, Ca – Ucla Bruins Fall football camp is in full swing for last week in the backdrop of mountains with smog free air. The campus of Cal State San Bernardino has been perfect get away to build a team mentality and bond as team. During this fourth camp for Head Coach Jim Mora has task of making this year team great & ready to compete in the Pac 12.
Once the first whistle blew the squad dispersed in controlled chaos to their designated areas. This team flew around the field and seem to be enjoy camp but determined to get better with physical and mental reps.
The offense line lead by 5th year senor Jake Brendal at center is one of the healthiest in years. This Bruin team will have some success in ground game. Running Back Paul Perkins looked strong throughout practice with his speed and patience. He has incoming freshman Soso Jamabo looking smooth with more upright running style for a change of pace back. Nate Starks looks like any third or fourth down situation you can hand him the ball for automatic first down. The Pac 12 will have to be ready for this team coming down hill fast all day, fourth quarters will be nice to watch.
On the Defense side of ball new coordinator Tom Bradley has coming in looking to use the talent he has and their strengths of being able to flew around the field and hit folks in the mouth. Linebacker Myles Jack is back now full time on defense where he surrounded by great up in coming talent. Dwight Williams and Cameron Griffin looked good during drills, they both will be fighting this year to be in game rotation. With this extra depth Bradley will be able to add few new exotic blitz packages and keep guys fresh all game.
The million dollar question still has not been answered yet with one week of camp in the books. The first team reps are still being split between Jerry Neuheisel & Josh Rosen. During Monday morning practice they savvy veteran Neuheisel look comfortable at the helm directing the offense down field with the balls off the ground. He knows the playbook, the checks and the hot routes. So can compare him to reliable Lexus you know what have and the ball will move smoothly down field. Now on flip side have Rosen who has size, arm strength but needs more time and reps to be consistent. When you see the pass from the left hash to right corner of end zone on short corner route drop in just over the receiver shoulder for score. Then you are reminded wow that’s the new Corvette how can we keep this hidden in the garage. Good thing for us I don’t have to make that call, it will be up to Coach Mora… Flash or Style… me personal I prefer style now a days but in my younger years that Corvette would be on the autobahn now.
Ucla will have practices for the rest of the week in San Bernardino, finishing with Fan Appreciation day Saturday August 22nd. There will be free food provided by Stater Bros. Markets, and plenty of Ucla goodies for the fans.
