UCLA enters the football season with questions everywhere but at quarterback.
In sophomore Josh Rosen, the Bruins have one of the best in the nation. Can the rest of the team play consistent football for 12 games?
“Josh has a chance to be very special,” said Coach Jim Mora during Pac-12 Media Day in Hollywood. “He has great arm strength. He is smart. He has a great feel for the game. He can make all of the throws.
“It is up to him to determine how good he really wants to be.”
UCLA’s biggest concern is replacing seven offensive starters as they start their 35th season in the Rose Bowl.
“We need to develop a more consistent approach on offense and defense each week,” said Mora. “We need to stay healthy. We need to build depth along the offensive line. And we need to replace three great receivers, Devin Fuller, Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte.”
On the plus side, UCLA has two outstanding offensive tackles in 6-9, 310- pound Conor McDermott and 6-9, 295- pound Kolton Miller.
They have a good group of running backs, led by Soso Jamabo and Nate Starks. Defensive back Ishmael Adams was switched to wide receiver. That should boost the offense.
The Bruins return eight starters on defense, linemen Takkarist McKinley, Deon Hollins and Eli Ankou, linebackers Kenny Young and Jayon Brown, backs Jaleel Wadood, Randall Goforth and Marcus Rios.
“In general,” said Mora, “the defense looks good.
“We are very excited about our opportunities.
“This will be an exciting season in a very difficult Pac-12 Conference. We understand the challenges.
“We are coming off a season that was a little disappointing. But our players have had a tremendous off-season. They have been working hard in the classroom, in the weight room and on the practice field.”
Mora said this was the best spring in his five years at UCLA.
“We had a great competitive environment,” he said.
“Team chemistry is good. Our players are excited to play in one of the best conferences in the nation.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
