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)
An interesting connection was seen on the field numerous times during Monday afternoon’s football practice – a yellow jersey passing downfield to, surprisingly, another yellow jersey. Read more...
Photo: Redshirt junior running back Paul Perkins said he hopes to improve his ability to read the opposing defense and find gaps during spring training. (Daniel Alcazar/Daily Bruin)
Last season UCLA football relied on a collection of highly-touted individuals. Eric Kendricks anchored the linebackers. Running back Paul Perkins and wide receiver Jordan Payton fueled the scoring. Read more...
Photo: Saturday’s UCLA football practice was the Bruins’ third of the spring training season, and their first fully-padded practice. (Max Himmelrich)
