UCLA Football: A Casual Thursday

UCLA's Spaulding Field

Scott Robinson

With the sun out, the Bruins went to work on a “casual” Thursday—dressing in black shorts and without their pads.

This time, however, Coach Mora bucked his black trend with a white long sleeve and matching cap.

Call it a dress rehearsal for the Spring Game: Today’s practice, with the play clock ticking, was primarily comprised of scrimmaging—as though everything were on the line.

Clock reads zero? Back it up five yards.

A receiver jumped early? Flags flew and a referee blew his whistle.

Holding? Back it up ten yards.

Coach Mora, not letting one second drop between the waves of groups, would grab a football and hustle down to a particular point on the field. Slamming the ball on the ground, he would then holler: “2^nd and 12” or “3^rd and 3.”

With the play clock rolling, timing was everything.

At one point, with Coaches on both sides of the lines screaming out plays and checks, QB Richard Brehaut stood under center. The play clock wound down and with a collective coaching wince and turn, time expired.

Mora, without hesitation, backed the ball up and the next play transpired as though it would on a Saturday: five yards behind the original line of scrimmage.

Of course, without pads on there was no tackling.

UCLA Football: Full Speed Ahead

UCLA's Spaulding Field Tuesday afternoon

Scott Robinson

It seems when Y Joseph Fauria is of proper health, he will be less focused on messing with the Special Teams. In what is becoming a tradition, Fauria will kick or throw the ST’s practice unit’s ball, as he makes for his warm-up routine.

Fauria, along with fellow Y Darius Bell had a partial day, with pads on during individual drills only to draw down for sprints at the end of practice.

Missing from practice was OG Jeff Baca, out with the flu, and LB’s Patrick Larimore (who has not been seen since his injury) and Jordan Zumwalt.

Also still out of pads were: OT Wade Yandall, OT Torian White, RB Damien Thigpen, RB Malcolm Jones (but ran sprints) and WR Devin Lucien, who left practice early with what Coach Mora called a “tweaked ankle,” or a left ankle sprain.

But back at were LB’s Eric Kendricks, Aaron Wallace and WR Jerry Rice Jr., whose dad was also spotted in attendance. Also along the sidelines was Bruin alum, Marcedes Lewis.

To top it off, half of Loyola High School’s football team was there too.

But apart from the growing glamor, between movie stars and ex-NFLer’s, this particular team is evolving. Now grasping what the coaching staff is throwing at them, the Bruins are in a groove when it comes to drills.

Coach Klemm now interrupts his cohorts a few steps further into their block.

Coach McClure’s unit is tossing around assistants—Legs in air and all.

But the learning curve continues: If its not “up-downs” with the offensive line, then its push-ups with Coach Martin.

UCLA Football: "Way to Work"

Saturday morning at UCLA's Spaulding Field

Scott Robinson

Nestled somewhere between good and pretty good was today’s practice. As the team huddled at the end, Mora’s demeanor was quite different from Thursday’s.

“Way to work,” Mora said. “Way to work…”

Learning curves are accelerating now as spring camp is becoming ever more game-like. Referees, crowd noise and situational scrimmaging can now be perceived as only the beginning.

Also growing closer to the speed of an actual football game were two QB’s: Brett Hundley and Richard Brehaut.

QB Kevin Prince took a step back, opening the door for both Hundley and Brehaut to take longer goes with the one’s.

With the better throwing performances came better receiving acts: WR’s Shaq Evans and Jerry Johnson showed an array of tough catches despite defensive hands a-plenty.

But with the scrimmaging, also came today’s emphasis: reality.

During the 11-on-11’s, not only were the linesmen keeping with what would have been the actual down and yardage, but plays that saw defenders sneak through for potential sacks were then also taken into account. This meant, whenever DE Datone Jones or NT Brandon Willis, broke through the pocket for what would be a sack, the next play the corresponding spot was put where the sack would have occurred.

Also, this meant every time a false start occurred, the ball was moved back the appropriate five yards. And this happened a few times—which is understandable, given the amount of movement on the offensive line.

Troubling, though, was an instance in which both RB Jordan James and WR Shaq Evans were clearly not lined up and moved prior to the hike. The teaching moment followed; Mora, with hands on both the helmets of James and Evans, stopped to explain the importance of lining up correctly—especially when five yards backwards could be the result.

This coach has an eye for detail, apparently.

UCLA Football: Gray, but a Good Day

UCLA's Spaulding Field

Scott Robinson

The crew behind the picked-up pace seem to be enjoying themselves lately. At the very least, there was a smile adorned on Coach Mora’s face as the team continued their work on Day Ten.

Coach Mora, in what must be the college football version of a Johnny Cash get-up, looked pleased with his black hat, black long sleeve and black gym shorts.

After practice, Mora confided: “It was a good day for us.”

Notwithstanding the injuries to the LB core, with Patrick Larimore (concussion), Jordan Zumwalt (stomach), Aaron Wallace (concussion) and Anthony Barr (quadriceps), the coach was still in high spirits after practice.

Rightfully so: The defense is starting to look pretty good.

Again with the first team was LB Isaiah Bowens, who was flanked by LB’s Damien Holmes, Eric Kendricks and Keenan Graham. Also getting time with the one’s was LB Aramide Olaniyan, who had another strong performance when given the opportunity.

During the 11-on-11’s, Olaniyan found himself in the right spot to intercept a ball tipped by DC Anthony Jefferson, who also had a great day.

Later on in practice, Jefferson was involved in another dust-up with WR Tyler Scott—To the point that it required Coach Ulbrich to step in and toss the players aside. Even with the scramble, Jefferson’s name is beginning to get noticed.

Coach Mora on Jefferson: “Gets a little better everyday… He’s becoming a legitimate player to me. He’s tough, he’s aggressive, he’s physical, he’s playing with more confidence…”

“All good teams know how to finish.”

With the gray sky and a chill in the air, it was the perfect sort of day to test the team’s consistency

“I think having this kind of weather helps a little bit,” said Mora.

Whatever the case, today’s efforts pushed through until the end.

Between the strong secondary showing during the 11-on-11’s (quite a few picks again) and the level of intensity witnessed at the end of practice in the Oklahoma-type Drill, the defense continues to flesh out a stout and consistent mentality.

They are here to dominate.

UCLA Football: Turn Up the Music

UCLA's Spaulding Field Saturday morning

Scott Robinson

As the first few drills took place, today’s practice brought with it a new mentality of confidence. With music now on the loudspeakers, the NFL theme song piped through the as the Bruins began practice installing their respective playbooks.

Unlike Thursday, the stands were packed full and along the sidelines roamed a party of coaches and recruits.

Today, spectators even camped out along Parking Lot six, looking over the East side of Spaulding from various levels in the structure. Entering this morning, UCLA held a coaching clinic—College jerseys of the respective staff present were shown along the fence separating Spaulding from Pauley’s construction site.

There was a feel out there unlike any other practice: a business mentality was at the forefront. From the get-go, even when players were stretching, the Bruins were attentive and quick to direction.

The energy was also evident: Another near dust-up pitted Cassius Marsh against Kevin Prince—One has to like the cut-throat attitude carried by the team nowadays.

Rounding out the practice was a good amount of 11-on-11’s, yielding further insight into how the depth charts might look once the remaining 2012 recruits arrive this summer.

The One’s

Starting with the defense, there appears to be a consistent group working as the first team (“the White jerseys”).

UCLA Football: A Situational Education

UCLA's Pauley Pavilion behind Spaulding Field

Scott Robinson

It was a down day for the Bruin quarterbacks as interceptions came often during 11-on-11 scrimmaging.

At the onset of the day was Coach Mora slinging the old pigskin to QB Brett Hundley. As mentioned by other sources following practice, this pigskin is not old.

In fact, the new ball being used appears slightly different. As they had catch, QB Hundley could be heard saying to Mora: “The laces feel slippery.”

Mora responded, “Yeah, they feel a little high.”

Whatever the problem might be with the football, the QB’s showed they did not have a solid grip on it today. Between QB’s Kevin Prince, Richard Brehaut, Jerry Neuheisel and Brett Hundley, there were at least three INT’s.

But even with the dismal display of quarterbacking, this team is learning and continues to work.

Starter Who?

If one QB had a good showing during Day Eight, it would be Prince. Today, he exhibited less of an attachment to his receiving corps—on at least three different instances, Prince shook off his primary and turned his head to opposite field.

One pass, Prince hit WR Tyler Scott specifically because of his shake off—He looked down WR Devin Lucien, pulling DS McKay off the top, allowing WR Scott a one-on-one and a subsequent completion in stride.

Prince’s throws seemed crisper and displayed less “happy feet” despite being pushed out of the pocket a couple times. On another throw, Prince plopped a 30-yard pass right into WR Lucien’s hands along the sideline—It was quite a pretty toss.

Brehaut, meanwhile, had one of his worst practices. In addition to throwing a ball up for grabs, he fumbled a snap and often had trouble during the 11-on-11's; at least one throw was tipped at the line of scrimmage.

Of the younger QB’s, TJ Millweard showed one particular toss that was very impressive. Looking downfield to a covered WR Roosevelt Davis, Millweard delivered it where only his receiver could catch it—And if the WR did not reel it in, there was no chance anyone could. Davis, leaning back to his right shoulder, dipped down and snagged the ball, even with three defenders around.

At this point I would say Millweard might have the most upside.

UCLA Football: The Next Step

The Bruins stretch at UCLA's Spaulding Field

Scott Robinson

It was another beautiful day in the Westwood neighborhood.

What a shame the fans were not there to share it: The crowd has now thinned out substantially.

The recruits did not seem to notice, however. At today’s practice were the following:

Name	Position	Year
Troy Williams	QB	2013
John Ross	WR/DB	2013
DaMari Scott	WR	2013

Imagine what winning will do for recruiting…

The Bruins are now roughly half-way done with their spring practices—only eight more until the Spring Game. So far, if one were forced to name the three major differences from one year ago, they easily could be surmised as follows: tempo, true competition and game simulating drilling.

All the things a coach might want to get better.

There’s still a lot of work to be done, though.

Wrinkles

Today, a number of the same drills seen throughout spring practice added a few more folds in complexity.

This certainly bodes well for the new coaching staff.

On the one hand, this “next step” might reflect a better grasp of Coach Mora’s expectations. On the other, these wrinkles might push to the margins some previous starters.

Either way, the Bruins win.

UCLA Football: Back to the Basics

Practice Onlookers at UCLA's Parking Lot 8

Scott Robinson

The stands, although still near full, were nothing like they were only one week ago.

No, Primetime and John Stamos did not walk through the door.

An overcast day must have weeded out the bandwagon from the faithful. Despite the clouds, and a cool nip in the air, the True Blue spectators brought a jacket and took to Parking Lot 8.

On the field, the team surely did not notice—they played through each drill, kept the hustle apparent and continue to exhibit the sort of drive necessary to make sure all the small things are being learned.

Players are communicating. They chip at the opponent. They talk after plays. The coaches are in their ear—and they are listening.

Case and point: RB Damien Thigpen ran a flat in front of WR’s coach, Steve Broussard. Post-catch, Thigpen sprinted up the left sideline—But that wasn’t good enough.

“Outside arm! Outside arm!” Broussard yelled.

With his head high, Thigpen shook it off and stuck the pigskin in the appropriate arm on the next play.

To some, these are the basics of football. To this team, this is a learning curve: the arena, coaching staff and tools are there for the taking. Now this team has to just keep it up.

Another example of this growing need to get better: QB Brett Hundley delivered a perfectly spiraling 30-yarder to a streaking WR Shaquelle Evans—who promptly dropped the TD. As Evans ran back towards the huddle, while the next team jumped in, him and Hundley discussed the drop. Later in the 11-on-11’s, Hundley threw the same ball, this time facing the opposing end-zone, and Evans spooled in what would have been a beautiful six points.

They’re learning. And, they’re getting better.

Never Settle

Today’s practice continued to maintain the expected high level of intensity. Another “dust-up” occurred between RB Dalton Hilliard and DE Brandon Willis.

Between the piped in fan noise and the focus on tempo, these drills continue to embody a tangible experience, as practice should be.

Furthermore, the coaching staff seems to maximize each sort of drill—Whether that’s five QB’s passing simultaneously or a hurry-up allowing for three to four plays in the span of one minute.

They want more.

On the recruiting front, UCLA stocked up on another offensive lineman in Fallbrook High School’s 2013 OT Sean Dowling (6’6 / 265). While attending practice Dowling gave a verbal to the Bruins, despite garnering offers from Arizona, Colorado, Duke, Navy, San Diego State and Washington State.

UCLA Football: Slurpee Swag

Sinbad & Keyshawn Johnson at UCLA's Spaulding Field

Scott Robinson

With his head swung around over his left shoulder, WR Jerry Johnson reached out with one arm in an attempt to reel in a poorly thrown ball.

Running what looked like a 10-yard out during a 7-on-5, the ball came his way, he reached and touched it, but didn’t have it.

As it is with most drills these days at UCLA, the next wave of Bruins jumped into place, only seconds after Johnson ran off to the sidelines.

One moment later, none other than Keyshawn Johnson, three-time NFL Pro-Bowler, got into Number Nine’s ear.

The very next chance Jerry jumped in, two hands were used and a catch was made.

I asked Johnson about what knowledge Mr. Seven-Eleven imparted:

“[He said] go for the ball with both hands, instead of trying to be spectacular and make a one-handed catch. Do what’s necessary to make the play.”

Makes you wonder what the Trojan fan-base has to say about their alumni tipping off pointers to what appears to be an up-and-coming program.

“It was good hearing from a person like him,” continued Jerry Johnson, “He knows the game, he’s been through it before, you know, he’s a veteran.”

Tackle This

With hits left and right, physical play was constant. As players collided, especially with Pauley in the backdrop, echoes of helmets cracking smacked in the air throughout all of practice.

With this marking the second day in pads, the energy on the field continued to stay up. Perhaps the best indicator of this high-energy is the fact that the defense and offense are barking at each other through-out their scrimmaging drills.

On one particular play, where WR Johnson faced up against DC Aaron Hester, a pass from QB TJ Millweard sailed low and away; Johnson pointed as if to tell Millweard to get it higher and he’ll catch it.

Hester thought otherwise—He spat out in defiance: “NO, NO, NO, NO!”

UCLA Football: Two Yards Too Short

UCLA's Spaulding Field, Saturday Morning

Scott Robinson

What audacity.

Two yards from the sideline, amidst a sun-drenched morning at Spaulding Field, RT Brett Downey slowed down his pace as the next offensive line unit hopped in for the subsequent drill.

Suddenly, Coach Mora, with veins bursting from his forehead, abruptly stopped the play. Stepping out from behind the defense, Mora belted out at Downey in a hoarse scream:

“Run your ass off the field or run out there!”

Mora pointed to the exit of Spaulding.

“Over-the-wall” sure seems silly under such expectations of hustle: Apparently, this new coach’s mantras has teeth to go along with his coach-speak.

Responsive, Downey ran everywhere from that point on.

Seems as though these messages are being received.

When the right tackle was asked about the incident, he replied: “It’s intense. They’re expecting perfection.”

To be sure, this regime has made it clear: There is no acceptance of a complacent mentality. Players are expected to get on board or get out.

With the morning’s outburst came Coach Mora’s point: Players are now competing for any spot, even on the practice team.

My Way or the Highway

If one theme could be derived from today’s practice, it’s this: The players must hustle to be on the field. Period.

And with this message, comes the fruition of the delivery: basics are being dealt with, finally. On all fronts, be it the running backs, defensive lines (what have you), the staff is communicating their expectations consistently.

From the looks of it, there is a method to this madness. In lieu of a sideline rant, where a coach would pop off and appear ready to shear clean his quarterback’s head, this staff is delivering the “teach-able” moments at the appropriate time: Practice.

UCLA Football: The Bruin Hustle

UCLA Tight End Joseph Fauria

Scott Robinson

As evidenced by the variance in snaps, the QB position appears to be at the forefront as this spring’s most important decision for Coach Mora. Luckily for the coach, the quarterbacks threw with a little more certainty and confidence today as the separation in the race began to unveil itself.

Working with the first group, comprised of Kevin Prince, Brett Hundley and Richard Brehaut, the coaching staff continued to impart game-tangible lessons as the practice progressed. In the second group, and showing slightly less accuracy today, were TJ Millweard, Jerry Neuheisel and Mike Fafaul.

Between the three quarterbacks vying for the starter role, Prince might have shown the best performance of the day. Prince hit Fauria and Shaq Evans in stride on a couple plays—definitely better in timing and shoulder placement than on Tuesday. Hundley showed improvement in the medium to longer passes, with two exceptionally zipped spirals into a slant by Jerry Rice Jr. and post pattern by Jordan James, respectively.

Richard Brehaut, however, looks like the most well-rounded QB. Not the best spirals, nor necessarily the most accurate but today he seemed to hit the most receivers with catch-able balls.

Of the RB’s, Dalton Hilliard continues to show incredible accelerating speed and soft hands. Despite having some trouble holding onto the ball again, Hilliard displayed—a number of times—the ability to cradle in a tough pass and turn up-field. Such a play-maker, one that can deliver the after-the-catch yardage, was sorely missing from last year’s offense.

Between Hilliard, James and Lucien, Mazzone will have quite a few options.

Tempo, Tempo, Tempo

The squad looked even faster in practice today, as they continue to learn the expected pace between drills. With what appears to be a greater bang for the buck in this quicker practice regimen, the energy also incidentally continues to rise.

UCLA Football: Football is Physical?

UCLA's Head Coach Jim Mora

Scott Robinson

Today represented the first football practice for Coach Mora in two years, three months and a little change.

And he was not the only one excited at the advent of the spring season.

Actually, the Bruins’ kin, fans and friends packed full the first practice’s stands—the excitement was palpable. Coach Mora, decked in black shorts and a gray UCLA shirt, heralded this practice as only the beginning.

“I’m pleased with the effort—Pleased with the attitude,” said Mora as he sipped on his Gatorade Rejuvenate after Day One. Flanked by the media and their cameras, the coach looked as though he’s done this kind of thing before.

When asked about a starting QB, Mora was quick to quip: “[We] have to let it happen.” A calculated but experienced response—which should be expected from the sort of coach that was born into a NFL coach’s family and then spent 25 years of his own in the league.

Meanwhile, Mora’s process of vetting out such a starter began with Kevin Prince taking the one’s, Brett Hundley the two’s and Richard Brehaut the three’s. Alongside them snapped TJ Millweard, Jerry Neuheisel and walk-on Mike Fafual, who has a slingshot of an arm, by the way.

One practice down, 14 more to go.

Change? Prove it.

While it was clear this was the first team practice, there was certainly a level of focus unlike any seen in the recent past.

Clearly, this coaching staff is attempting to prepare the team with tangible exercises—ones meant to replicate actual game-play with the purpose to translate onto Saturdays.

One example: Defensive players were clearly instructed to strip the ball, as every moment of contact between them and the offense led to the grappling of arms. Another: the QB’s appeared to throw against a changing defense—specifically looking for the open man.

UCLA Football: Spring Practice Starts Tuesday

Scott Robinson

The UCLA Football team starts practice this next Tuesday, April 3rd.  I will be there with live updates!

If you have any particular questions for coaches or players you'd like to hear from, tweet at me:

@UCLASportsBlog

For all the most up-to-date information, be sure to also follow:

@BruinsBall

2012 UCLA Bruins Spring Practice Schedule:

Tuesday, Thursday Practices [Spaulding Field, UCLA Campus]:
4/3 & 4/5 – 3:45 PM
4/10 & 4/12 – 3:45 PM
4/17 & 4/19 – 3:45 PM
4/24 & 4/26 – 3:45 PM

Saturday Practices [Spaulding Field, UCLA Campus]:
4/7 – 9:30 AM
4/14 – 9:30 AM
4/21 – 1:00 PM
4/28 – 1:00 PM

Spring Game [The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA]:
5/5 – 5:00 PM

Follow Spring Practice at BruinsBall.com

UCLA Football: The On-Season. Part 3: The Future

Dan Guerrero - Photo Courtesy OCRegister.com

Scott Robinson

As the short days of winter wane into the face of spring, UCLA is currently prepping their squad for the upcoming football season. Inroads against a crumbling recent past, one littered with muttering descriptions of mediocrity, are beginning to show a clear path, one with resolve throughout the entirety of UCLA’s athletic program.

During this off-season we've focused on some key data sets pointing towards many different areas needing improvement. As far as coaching is concerned, different practice motifs of efficiency (under the helm of the specialist, Coach Alosi) stand to drastically improve the team with football-specific training.

As both Defensive Coordinator Lou Spanos and Offensive Coordinator Noel Mazzone arrive with a “clean slate,” a mistrusting Bruin faithful fanbase might be asking:

“What else has changed that could possibly lead us to believe Mora’s regime is coalescing towards winning?”

Reports are trickling in of players jumping aboard and heeding guidance from the rallying Coach with extensive NFL experience. But now, it’s not just the players, it’s the administration that’s lining up to right the ship.

In fact, it’s been an incredibly demanding, yet productive, season for one particular UCLA Athletics Department…

Pro-Activity

Despite his absurdly busy schedule, I was lucky enough to talk with Nick Ammazzalorso, UCLA’s Executive Director of Athletic Communications. His role, while newly established, has quickly augmented the football team’s return to relevancy. Acting through both media promotion and most recently, crisis response, Ammazzalorso’s position has quickly become indispensable to UCLA’s ability to mitigate negative press or misinformation.

“Pro-activity,” Ammazzalorso states, “is the key to all teams [in their efforts for success].” One might scoff at such a statement, especially in light of the recent Sports Illustrated article. However, consider UCLA’s ability to respond, most competently, via statement and affirmation of Ben Howland’s return: I would say it would have been much worse without the likes of Ammazzalorso or his department’s function.

UCLA Football: The On-Season. Part 2: The Present

 Sal Alosi - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Scott Robinson

The winter off-season… Hope and promise is plentiful. Message boards flutter in excitement at roster switches and weight increases. Interviews on the practice field or weight room always come packaged with the same delivery: “We’re getting stronger. We’re getting faster…” That’s typically followed by a trainer pointing to some exercise sheet and showing a higher number for an athlete’s lifting capacity.

But UCLA was “stronger and faster” last year… So, why did they only improve marginally, from a 4-8 to a 6-8 record? If stronger and faster is not a true indicator, then what can be collected as progress from a team during the off-season?

Perhaps it’s just having the right mind-set. History has shown, time and time again, that it is possible to reform a team in very little time—Even under the helm of a first year coach. Maybe it’s just the coach?

Or maybe it’s both.

Considering Parcells (1-15 to 9-7), Jim Mora (3-13 to 13-3) and even Jim L. Mora (5-11 to 11-5) did it, the task of turning around a down program can most definitely be achieved within one off-season. Take Sparano’s 2008 Dolphins: Despite getting a pink slip this past year, he revved up Miami from just one win to 11 within a single year—tying an NFL record for most increased wins ever, year-over-year.

UCLA Football: The On-Season. Part 1: The Past

Image courtesy UCLABruins.com

Scott Robinson

Today’s feature will venture into last year’s movement of UCLA’s Football Program from the Winter and Spring back to the Fall. Part 2: The Present, 2012 Off-Season (later this week) will follow the developments for this upcoming season…

Suddenly, under the helm of Coach Mora, UCLA is beginning to form a clear path towards college football relevancy. Highlighted by keen observers of scholarship counts, clarifications of star athlete relationships with a certain QB guru (and his dating patterns) and other sketchy poaching, er, coaching media releases, UCLA now appears poised for a new beginning: to be loathed. And that's a good thing.

With an influx of talent welcomed in the 2012 recruiting class, UCLA’s lineup is now, undoubtedly, up in the air. An unthinkable feat, Mora has managed to sew up a stellar coaching staff, sign a group of top-25 athletes and appears to be developing a broad-sweeping change to UCLA’s culture of complacency.

Of course, the churning up of a hopeful Bruin fan-base does not come without a grain (or pounds) of salt.

Any skeptic will point towards where such achievements can be best measured: wins. You should stop now if you are the type of fan that likes to point at any particular win, as though it were some empirical sign of progress (like against ASU last year). To be clear: There is no win-percentage next season that will determine UCLA’s barometer of success. Sure, over .500 implies a better team than last year, but does it matter if they only win when the opposition gift-wraps the W? Rather, for a successful season, this team will need to be in every game they play.

Ahhh, “In every game…” What the hell does that mean? Neuheisel used to prime it as staying in the game until the 4^th quarter. Too many of them were over by the 1^st.

So here’s a start: How about actually being in it every 4^th quarter.

I’d take that for Mora’s first season.

But before the Fall, and the potential wins that follow, the most important season must run it’s course: The off-season.

Work. Quickly.

There is a large contingent of buzz words utilized by coaches to impart their philosophies onto a team, especially one that is new to them. A perfect example would be Joe Tresey, UCLA’s Defensive Coordinator for 2011. Replacing Chuck Bullough, Tresey produced the 88^th ranked team in Total Defense. And in the Spring before such a product, catchy phrases came alongside nearly every “coaching item:”

Gotta play fast. Gotta play with urgency and gotta play with a high-motor. Good stance, good start… It’s about playing fast every snap.

Unfortunately, Tresey, apparently now DC at Youngstown State, continued to preach missiles in an age of lasers.

UCLA Football: A Herculean Task

Matthew Slater, New England Patriots. Image courtesy Matthew J. Lee / Boston Globe

Scott Robinson

No, there was no helicopter. Yes, Coach Mora was in four states in one day. The official announcement came back in December and 30 minutes later began the journey from rookie college coach to Recruiter of the Year. After a few blurry-eyed weeks, a couple thousand frequent flier miles and endless hours of ear-racketeering, UCLA’s Jim L. Mora has officially knocked out a Top-25 recruiting class.

Great. That’s just great.

I really have no intentions of sliding what the new staff has done since the hire: It’s nothing short of remarkable. That’s even without considering where UCLA once stood just months ago. Undeniably, the Bruin coaches combined for one of the biggest National Signing Day surprises on February 1st. And in no disrespect to the coveted talent now legally bound to the university: Welcome aboard, gentlemen.

Here’s my problem: last I checked this team still sits on a pile of work yet to be done.

No offense, literally and statistically, but they’re coming off a few really bad years for the football program. The most recent UCLA product spewed a bevy of troubles—any of which could be pinned at multiple points during the body of work this season.

For one, remember this? A trifecta of torment: Penalties (11 – 105 yards), 3^rd Down Conversion (2 for 13), and a one-way offense (286 yards passing, 37 rushing). Shutting down the run game put the pressure on a position of weakness— in doing so, well, it got a little out of hand…

And then there was no defense.

Or, we could just say 50-0. I won’t even dignify any other statistics from that one… That loss really hurt. Let’s just say it’s been a long, long season—Let alone decade.

During these years the Bruin fan-base had been calling for competition, diligence and accountability. Really, they just wanted every game to actually be a game. Instead, answers came in so many unexpected, fun forms: ones like win-loss, suspensions, run-run-pass, penalties, punting is winning or the always available static play-calling.

Oh, it gets better.

A perfect bookend to this past season: Neuheisel fired and a new NCAA record of being the first 6-8 college football team, ever. Adding salt to the wounds was every college pundit sniping at a down UCLA with all the colloquial Pistol-potency cracks imaginable. There was no doubt the regime was to be usurped.

Meanwhile, in the fray brewed a charged and displaced coach in wait, scheming: The true sleeping giant.

How Did Coach Mora Land at UCLA?

Atlanta [2004-2006]

In December of 2003 Atlanta Head Coach Dan Reeves was fired after a dismal 3-10 season.  The following January, a young, fiery defensive coordinator with San Francisco popped up on the radar of the Falcons’ ownership: Jim L. Mora.  When asked why he thought he was being sought as a candidate, Mora explained: “They like my enthusiasm and my passion.”  Once hired, Mora’s passion lived up to expectations: in 2005 he brought the Falcons to the NFC Championship Game and finished with a 12-5 record.  The following two years, however, Mora’s energy seemed to dissipate: first to 8-8, then 7-9.

On an eerily similar cold December 2006 morning, Coach Mora jumped on the phone for an interview with a radio station. That fateful day five years ago, he spoke to Seattle’s KJR 950 and set off a windfall of events culminating in his ultimate firing as Atlanta’s HC.  As U of W Coach Tyrone Willingham would later say in reference to Mora’s on-the-air goof, “[it was] a great case of open mouth, insert foot.”

If one were to recall, Mora was already embroiled in controversy at Atlanta with his father’s “Coach Killer” statements in reference to pre-prison QB Michael Vick.  While the NFC South was still winnable late in the 2006 season, personalities amongst the organization were becoming divided.  Until this point in time the fans and ownership had never questioned the loyalty of Mora.  Not until that phone call with KJR 950 when the coach stated the following:

“If Tyrone Willingham ever decided to move on, if the [U of W] job became open, you will have me at the head of line with résumé in hand, I promise you that. That's the job I want.”

As word trickled back to Atlanta that Mora might bolt for U of W, Mora would quickly frame the above statement as a joke.  One thing is for sure: with an Atlanta playoff race on the line, the coach's statements irked the Falcon faithful. Undoubtedly, these distractions could have only added to beleaguered Falcons squad.  Mora's team missed the playoffs that year with a disappointing final record of 7-9.  Despite a strong and promising start of 5-2, the Falcon's slipped to a 2-7 finish.  The media mayhem juxtaposition to the Falcon playoff meltdown buckled any hope for Mora's return.  And with the close of another December, Mora’s days as a Falcon were over.

Seattle [2007-2009]

Less than three weeks later Mora was back getting paid again as Seattle’s Secondary Coach.  Then Seattle Head Coach Mike Holmgren echoed similar sentiment in Mora’s qualities: “I'm excited to have the opportunity to add someone to the staff with the energy and passion that Jim brings to the game.”  Again, Mora’s energy was evident.  Seattle’s secondary “led the NFL in touchdown passes allowed (15) and led the NFC (4th NFL) with 20 interceptions.”  The noticeable defensive improvement primed Mora as heir-apparent for the eventual change from Coach Holmgren, who had announced his retirement well before the 2009 season.

Flash forward to 2009 and another media gaffe with the newly anointed Seattle HC Mora: his team is off to a 1-1 start and his Seahawks are faced up against a beatable Bears team.  After a gritty first half, the Seahawks led 13-7 heading into halftime.  The Bears responded with 10 in the 3rd and another 8 in the 4th leading to a 25-19 victory. But it wasn't like Seattle didn't have their chances... Mora said the following in reference to his kicker’s (Olindo Mare) two missed field goals (34 & 43 yarders):

“If you're a kicker in the National Football League, you should make those kicks. Bottom line. End of story. Period. No excuses.” 

I mean, he has a point—that’s what they’re paid to do, right? Notwithstanding the missed kicks, Seattle went on to a dissappointing 5-11 record  under first year coach Mora.  Come season's end, CEO Tod Leiweke announced Mora's termination: "It became apparent after conducting an extensive internal audit that a new direction was needed to provide an opportunity for the organization to be successful."  It seems he was given hardly a chance, but hey, I'm no NFL Franchise owner.

NFL Network [2010-2011]

Upon Mora’s messy departure from the Seahawks (and a large chunk of change due for his remaining $12 Million / 3 year deal) it became clear the Coach needed to curtail some of that energy and passion, at least when it came to speaking to outlets like, I don’t know, the media.  But here’s this dichotomy of a coach: A guy that drafted three-time Pro-Bowlers Roddy White and DeAngelo Hall and another QB called Matt Schaub out of Nebraska. Mora's name has been associated with interviews for the Redskins, the Dolphins, the Broncos (you get the picture), so one would have to believe, “Hey, there stands a talented coach.”  Unbridled, but certainly talented.

Which is why Mora’s next move is so easy to understand: Why not address the media directly?  Go ahead, polish up the resume, get accustomed to the spotlight.  With the Seahawks still on the hook for his paycheck, why not?  Mora jumped aboard the NFL Network just before the 2010 season.  On national TV he was calling games with Brian Billick and went on to interview his ex-QB, Michael Vick.  It was during this time that Mora began planning his entrance back into the coaching arena.

UCLA [Present]

Five years removed from his U of W radio debacle, Mora witnessed another coach cave under the media spotlight.  UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel, from a similar walk-on-to-player-to-coach background, began the 2011 season in everyone's top-five of coaches most likely to be canned. Mora must have seen in him a man whose “relentless optimism” and charismatic advertising mishaps were only clarified under the pressing scope of Los Angeles.  Often a target of sideline close-ups amid his QB quarrels, Neuheisel bit the dust with the barreling of his football team against the sanctioned Southern Cal Trojans.  A moment only described as embarrassing: The Bruins fell to the tune of 50-0, throttled by their hated rival.  The subsequent back-door entry into the inaugural PAC-12 Championship against Oregon only fueled the spectacle—while not quite an obliteration like the week before, UCLA did not stand much of a chance.  Neuheisel’s legacy as UCLA’s prodigal son withered into that Championship Friday evening as his last day on the job.  As the game's credits rolled, Neuheisel was seen embracing his son, Jerry, a QB on UCLA’s roster. 

Two weeks later: Enter Jim L. Mora. At the official press conference naming him UCLA's Head Coach on December 13th, Mora got his first crack at hooking Los Angeles’ circling media sharks.  Apparently sidestepping “outlandish statements,” Mora proclaimed UCLA a “sleeping giant.”  Returning to the air, Mora again spoke to KJR 950, this time making his alliances outspoken: "We don't leave anyone alone until they sign the dotted line." Unlike his past, however, Mora followed up his coach speak with the gathering of noteworthy assistants, including ex-SMU Coach Adrian Klemm, ex-ASU Coach Steve Broussard and ex-UW Coach Demetrice Martin.  Add to that three new recruits in DB Marcus Rios, OLB Kenny Orijinko and DB/WR Taylor Lagace and it appears Mora is showing us his walk, not talk.  

Common rhetoric points to Mora as a “player’s coach,” a guy who the media pegs as an “X’s and O’s” type, but is he capable of bringing UCLA to the top of football?  We’ve certainly witnessed his passion and energy—but does this translate to more of the same?  What about all this "Over-the-Wall" non-sense?  I imagine that'll be an interesting topic come Meeting #1 after the Kraft Hunger Bowl.  Should we expect more of the “foot-in-mouth” syndrome?  Or is this the older, wiser version of the energetic, passionate coach?  The past says he better act, not speak.  So, as his coaching gears churn this off-season and UCLA’s staff and their recruits are fleshed out come February, one question remains…  Will Coach Jim L. Mora conquer his greatest foe in his coaching career: his own mouth?