UCLA Football: Latest News, Injuries and Other Updates

Jason FrayJun 7, 2018

As we enter week three of spring practice, the UCLA Bruins look to build the foundation for a winning team this upcoming year.

Thus far, the big story lines this spring include a multitude of minor injuries, no designated starting quarterback and an energy level that has been consistently solid.

Let's take a look at all the news, notes and miscellaneous information coming from Westwood.

The Competition at Quarterback Continues

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Three weeks into spring ball, a quarterback has yet to stand out amid his competitors.

At this point, the two most "impressive" signal-callers thus far have been senior Richard Brehaut and redshirt freshman Brett Hundley.

Brehaut has the experience factor, but it remains to be seen whether he can sustain consistency.

Hundley, on the other hand, has absolutely no game experience. He probably has the best pure talent out of any quarterback on the roster, but he still needs work with his accuracy and decision-making.

Returning starter Kevin Prince has been mediocre in the spring session. His lack of arm strength hurts his prospective ability to start, as does his propensity to seemingly always get injured.

One aspect to be cognizant of is the fact that UCLA is installing a completely new offense. Undoubtedly, it will take time for the stable of quarterbacks to become comfortable running the spread.

However, a candidate has to separate himself from the convoluted pack sooner rather than later.

This article from the Los Angeles Times details the current state of the quarterback position.

Projected depth chart at this point (based on performance this spring):

1. Richard Brehaut/Brett Hundley

2. Kevin Prince

3. Jerry Neuheisel

Offensive Line Issues

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Aside from the quarterback position, the biggest concern has got to be the offensive line.

The Bruins lost starters Mike Harris and Kai Maiava to graduation. Returning starter Chris Ward has been absent from spring practice due to ankle and knee injuries.

Expected contributor Wade Yandall just returned to action after suffering multiple concussions last season, while projected starting center Greg Capella has been held out of action due to a calf problem.

The team's best offensive lineman—Xavier Su'a-Filo—is coming off of a two-year hiatus from football due to serving a Mormon mission.

Also, the right tackle spot is currently manned by walk-on senior Brett Downey. Downey's back up, Mike Padovese, is also a walk-on.

Other than that, everything is peachy for the Bruins up front.

The Bruins will rely heavily on the trio of Capella, Su'a-Filo and senior Jeff Baca. These three are easily the most talented of the beleaguered bunch.

Torian White is someone to watch out for. The redshirt freshman has the prototypical body for an offensive tackle. He has very long arms and outstanding athleticism.

He'll have to put on some weight and continue to gain experience, but there's no denying his immense upside.

Lack of Depth in the Secondary

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The lack of secondary depth is a serious issue right now on the team. In fact, the number of healthy bodies is considerably low.

Projected starting safety Andrew Abbott tore his meniscus. Abbott, considered a very savvy player, made the move this spring to safety from nickleback.

Additionally, former big time recruit Dietrich Riley might never play again, after suffering a severe neck injury.

Cornerback Anthony Jefferson has returned from back surgery, looking somewhat rusty. At this point, he has a long way to go in order to become the player he was expected to be out of high school.

In terms of positive news, senior cornerback Sheldon Price has looked very good. He's unquestionably the top member of the secondary returning.

He looks to have a big senior year with the hopes of enhancing his draft stock.

The other starting cornerback, Aaron Hester, has been suffering from concussion-like symptoms, and reserve cornerback Brandon Sermons has a cast on his hand.

With the lack of overall depth, look for multiple true freshman to play right away. One of those freshman, Marcus Rios, was an early enrollee.

Rios has shown flashes of good play throughout camp. However, a learning curve will undoubtedly take place.

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Optimism Is Not Waning

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The effort and energy level of both the staff and team has been consistently impressive.

Head coach Jim L. Mora has been preaching about a "culture change" for the program. Thus far, it seems as if the results are paying dividends.

There's just a different feel about practices under Mora's regime. The overall tempo is exponentially higher than it was under his predecessors.

Additionally, the staff has made a concerted effort to engage the athletes with enthusiasm and an energetic style.

Mora won't stand for anything other than unabated effort. He does admit, however, that the program "isn't for everyone."

Players Who Have Impressed

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While the Bruins have had a relatively successful spring period thus far, three players have impressed coaches with their strong play.

The light bulb is finally turning on for defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa.

A former 5-star recruit, Odighizuwa has played sparingly during his first two years in Westwood. The Oregon product had an incredibly high ceiling, but he was very raw as a prospect. This spring, he's beginning to scratch the surface of his vast potential.

His speed off the edge from his defensive end position has been noteworthy. In addition, "Owa" is finally beginning to understand the complexities of the position, in terms of hand placement and leverage.

With the transition to the spread offense, the Bruins need a stable of solid receivers.

Enter redshirt freshman Devin Lucien.

The Crespi High School product was a star on the scout team last season. His route running was notable, as was his maturity for a freshman.

With a wide-open depth chart, Lucien is seizing the opportunity put in front of him. Numerous reports have pegged Lucien as the most talented receiver on the roster based on his play this spring.

Wide receivers coach Eric Yarber echoes those sentiments in this report.

Perhaps the biggest surprise this spring has been the play of running back Steven Manfro.

The Valencia, Calif. native has been quite the revelation. The lightly-recruited scat back only had one other major college scholarship offer (Wyoming) coming out of high school—despite accruing over 10,000 all-purpose yards and 123 touchdowns during his high school career.

With that type of production, there's no secret that the young back has to have a chip on his shoulder, with the lack of college attention he was given as a high school senior.

During spring ball, Manfro has gotten glowing reviews. He's shown superlative acceleration and wonderful lateral agility. Additionally, he plays with a low center of gravity, which makes him very hard to tackle.

His enthusiasm for the game is infectious, and his electric play has entrenched him as the third running back behind Franklin and Malcolm Jones.

Injury Update

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The injuries are starting to mount this spring. There haven't been any horrific injuries, but there is some concern over the amount of nicks and bruises the team has suffered recently.

Here's a list of the injuries in the "Bruin infirmary":

DB Andrew Abbott: Torn meniscus (will be out 2-3 weeks)

DB Librado Baracio: Torn ACL

RB Jordon James: Tweaked hamstring

TE Joe Fauria: Pulled hamstring

C Greg Capella: Calf injury

OL Wade Yandall: Concussion-like symptoms (returned to practice on 4/15)

OLB Anthony Barr: Pulled hamstring

WR Ricky Marvray: Sore back

RB Johnathan Franklin: Bruised knee

WR Jerry Rice Jr.: Collarbone injury

TE John Young: Shoulder