While a new era always generates a certain level of excitement,UCLA football playersdisplayed enough promise this spring to daydream about an immediate resurgence.
Already abig-time quarterback, Nico Iamaleava appeared capable of elevating his game. Explosive edge rusher Sahir West looked like the sort of defensive playmaker the team lacked last season. Wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. is going to show up on a lot of sports highlight segments.
Withnew coach Bob Chesneysetting a relentlessly energetic tone by covering more ground than the lawnmowers that roam the practice field, the Bruins resembled a team on the verge of a breakthrough.
Could it be as startling a turnaround as Indiana enjoyed under Curt Cignetti?
Answers will start to trickle in beginning with the season opener at California on Sept. 5.
Here are five things we learned from UCLA’s spring practices:
Chesney should snag a deal as the pitchman for an energy drink.
His boundless vitality and hands-on approach was on full display throughout the spring. Sprinting from one drill to another, Chesney was involved in the most minute details of each practice, even showing backup kicker Mateo Orosco the proper form on field goals.
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Chesney’s longtime coaching colleagues said his approach hasn’t changed from his days in the New England Football Conference and the Patriot League, when he was winning conference titles at college football’s lowest levels.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
