It’s been almost two years since Nate Iese made his third and seemingly final position change at UCLA. In fall 2013, the then-redshirt freshman made the switch from defensive line to F-back, a position he’s settled into. Read more...
Photo: Redshirt junior F-back Nate Iese (left) said he will have an expanded role in the UCLA passing game this year, particularly in the red zone. (Aubrey Yeo/Daily Bruin senior staff)
The competition for quarterback, which has proven to be the dominant storyline of UCLA football’s spring practice, just revealed some plot twists. Redshirt freshman Aaron Sharp is in the process of transitioning from one of six quarterback candidates to a more prominent role as receiver, having traded his yellow jersey for navy blue. Read more...
Photo: Freshman Josh Rosen continues to impress in spring practice, showing poise and knowledge that has impressed both players and coaches. (Max Himmelrich/Daily Bruin)
Last October, in the middle of a precarious two-game skid, UCLA football was in need of a big play. Cal had the ball on the UCLA 36-yard line, down two with just under a minute left to play. Read more...
Photo: Redshirt junior cornerback Marcus Rios has built on his strong comeback season in 2014 by adding some muscle mass to his frame so far during the offseason. Rios is up to 185 pounds – 25 pounds more than he weighed before the start of last season. (Austin Yu/Daily Bruin senior staff)
UCLA football typically blasts classic rock and hip-hop music throughout practice, reverberating well outside the walls of Spaulding Field and spilling onto the UCLA campus. But for defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, the music was yet another aspect he had to get used to in his transition to the Bruins. Read more...
Photo: UCLA played several classic tracks like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “My Girl” on Saturday’s practice as an inside joke aimed at new defensive coordinator Tom Bradley’s (left) music preferences. (Aubrey Yeo/Daily Bruin senior staff)
Takkarist McKinley is currently focusing on the more specific aspects of football, like adding body weight to gain an advantage over other defensive linemen. “I got here (at) about 225 (pounds). Read more...
Photo: Junior defensive end Takaarist McKinley entered UCLA in September 2014 as a transfer student, and admitted he felt a little overwhelmed early in the year. But after multiple playbook and film studies over winter break, McKinley said he’s ready to step up and play a big role in the absence of former defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa. (Aubrey Yeo/Daily Bruin senior staff)
At the end of UCLA’s fifth spring football practice, the one question that’s been dominating the minds of fans since the Alamo Bowl still lingered: Did UCLA pick a starter yet? Read more...
Photo: After starting one game at left guard his freshman season, sophomore Najee Toran was moved to the defensive line for his sophomore season right before spring practice began. (Daniel Alcazar/Daily Bruin)
It’s not recognition like it was during his UCLA playing days, but a few students have noticed Robert Thomas is back on campus. “A few older students,” he said, laughing. Read more...
Photo: Former UCLA All-American linebacker Robert Thomas has reenrolled at UCLA to both complete his history degree and continue pursuing a career in football coaching. Thomas currently serves as a student assistant coach under linebacker coach Scott White. (Aubrey Yeo/Daily Bruin senior staff)
