Bruin Football: On Pace For Steady Progress
by Nestor on Jan 5, 2010 6:59 AM PST
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PrintI want to pick up on the observation Ryan made last night at the very end of his post on next year's schedule. There is no question right now that Bruin football program is on the rise. The issue is though how far we are going to rise next season and whether we will stay on pace to get back to being a program that will regularly contend for Pac-10 titles (and possibly national championships every now and then) by Neuehisel's fifth season in Westwood. There were couple of articles following the bowl game that took a sneak peak into next year's personnel and pointed to the issues the team will have to deal with next season. Thankfully the coaches are not making any excuses about it.
Before we look into the key issue for next year, I do think it is important to acknowledge the progress the football program made this season. Before the season started pretty much the unanimous expectation for this team was a 6-7 win season and an appearance in the bowl game (not going to bother linking this point since have it done it numerous times in recent weeks). OC Register's Al Balderas noted that Neuheisel went about achieving this objective by opening up all spots for competition during spring and fall camps this past season:
Neuheisel's decision to go with Prince reverberated through the UCLA locker room. No position was safe. Neuheisel was going look at each week of practice as 22 separate competitions, putting the top performers on the field for Saturday's games.
"We're going to have competition," Neuheisel repeated throughout the season. "We're going to play the guy who plays the best in practice."
And then concluded Neuheisel's approach achieved his goals:
Neuheisel's approach was intended to accomplish two things. Improvement was first, and setting the groundwork for the future was the second. It appears the Bruins reached both goals.
UCLA finished the regular season with a 6-6 record and played in its first bowl game in three seasons. Though the EagleBank Bowl doesn't have the same ring, history or prestige as the Rose Bowl, the Bruins knew they had to start someplace.
"This is a start," Neuheisel said after the Bruins beat Temple, 30-21, in the EagleBank Bowl. "The pendulum was sitting right in the middle. We were 6-6 and this was going to determine what kind of season we had in the eyes of a lot of people who don't pay as close attention as maybe we do."
The horizon should project more of the same. The defense will be getting closer looks from the coaching staff as it tries to rebuild from the loss of defensive tackle Brian Price, defensive end Korey Bosworth, cornerback Alterraun Verner and linebackers Reggie Carter and Kyle Bosworth.
Well speaking of the horizon, it is going to be very interesting to see what transpires during this recruiting season (going in right now and lasting for another 3-4 weeks) and spring game. We have some serious depth issues in our front-7 (primarily at DL) at this snap shot of time. The coaches are working over time right now to look for DL/DE recruits from all over the country. I am sure they are also going to take a look at the personnel available in our roster and perhaps make some adjustments as well. So it will be intriguing to say the least how the depth chart shapes up at the end of spring ball and how it evolves through fall camp. More on this after the jump.
Here is what Coach Neuheisel said about the personnel issues he will have to address during the off season:
"It's going to be a definite challenge to get all those guys replaced and to play the same kind of consistent defense and even try to improve," Neuheisel said. "That's going to be a tall order. We'll have to do a great job in the offseason of not only evaluating our talent but our scheme." As usual he is being positive. Those comments were taken from Jon Gold's initial outlook on next season who made the following observations on our interior defensive line, which is being "hit the hardest" by this transition as David Carter (junior) is the only player returning with extensive playing experience:
The Bruins have junior Andy Keane and sophomore Justin Edison waiting in the wings, with two verbal commitments in Bellevue (Wash.) High's Julious Moore and Fresno Edison's Wesley Flowers. They hope to land a major defensive tackle who can play immediately, such as Brighton (Utah) High's Ricky Heimuli. Freshmen Iuta Tepa, Keenan Graham and Damien Holmes will likely compete for the defensive end spot opposite Datone Jones. Hmm. I am not sure we can be comforted with the idea of Andy Keane and Edison "waiting in the wings." Both of them are great kids but Bruin defense will need lot more than those guys. Those guys were also barely ahead of converted OL Sean Sheller and Connor Bradford, who were moved over during Fall camp last season. I haven't heard anything indicating those guys will be ready to step in next year. Perhaps they will be but just haven't heard anything from reliable sources. Getting Heimuli would be a big get. It will be tough to get him though. Brandon Willis is still publicly indicating that he is down to UNC and UCLA (after decommitting from Tennessee) however the rumors (and apparently his facebook although I haven't seen it) indicates that he is heading to Chapel Hill. Other kids to keep track of include names such as Sealii Epenesa (HI) and Fred Thompson (Oakland, CA). In terms of adding more depth to this position perhaps the coaches might want to think about making moves such as shifting Nate Chandler to the defensive side? Chandler is already around 6-5, 270. Remember he was also tried out at OL for a bit early in his freshman year. I think he appears to be someone who has that mean, nasty streak that could be perfect for DL. Other ideas of adjustment could be to get Damien Holmes to work his rear end off add another 15-20 lbs to his frame (he is around 6-3, 260 right now) and move him over to DL. Lastly, to think really outside the box Jayson Allmond is a red-shirt freshman around 6-0 and 260lbs. Apparently he is also a tough football player who loves to mix it up. I don't think Chow will let him out of his FB spot. But who knows, he could be an option to move over to DL, and then coaches can have Derrick Coleman take over at the FB spot (making room for Jones and James next season). Those are of course just ideas to think about. Like I said it is going to be very interesting to see how the coaches deal with the situation in next few weeks. Of course there are other spots that will be interesting to keep an eye on during the off season as well. Both Gold and Balderas went over them in their overview pieces linked above. Some of the issues I will try to keep note of during spring game will include:
- Reports on Richard Brehaut re. whether he has a better handle on the playbook
- Aah, speaking of the playbook, will be looking forward to reading the reports and first hand observations on Carroll and Pressley
- Keeping an eye on the health of Eddie Williams, Ryan Taylor and Micah Kia. I have heard that Kia might have some back issues but haven't seen it in print anywhere
- Reports on young LBers who redshirted this year such as Todd Golper and Isiah Bowens. I have heard Golper has looked pretty solid with the scout team this season but haven't read anything on record anywhere
- Need to keep an eye on updates on Taniela Maka - last year's LB recruit - who is still working to get academically eligible. If Maka makes it in, he might make an immediate impact in terms of breaking into two deep
- Reports on Ebele and Capella, two OL I have heard pretty good reviews about in the background without seeing much on paper. I think those guys have a chance to provide much needed depth on OL.
- Speaking of OL, the Hasiak story is not over yet and there is a chance of a happy ending. Not sure how good of chance that is but the story is not over yet. Stay tuned.
I am sure there are number of other details that we will all keep an eye on in the coming weeks. I do think recruiting is going to be fun to follow heading into signing day. Plus college football is all about transition. Instead of making excuses about it Neuheisel embraced it following the bowl game: "That's the beauty of college football - that there are those transitions," Neuheisel said. "Where young guys become old guys and followers become leaders. That's all healthy. We have guys there who are very equipped to take that next step." Looking forward to how Neuheisel navigates through it in the coming weeks. Despite the (expected) up and downs, it's been a fun ride so far and it's clear the football program is on pace for steady progress. GO BRUINS.
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In my opinion
Neuheisel has one more get out of jail free card- by that I mean, one more mediocre season. Not a losing one, but given the situation in scheduling… One more mediocre season… That’s it
Formerly ucla13_usc9
by 03rdn9 on Jan 5, 2010 7:49 AM PST via mobile reply actions
A winning Pac-10 season next year
Will not be a mediocre one. And considering where we were last year, I wouldn’t dismiss this year as a mediocre one either.
Off subject here Nestor, but
I have been away from the computer for a while. I did comment on your post from last week with all the pictures from the great bowl win. Not sure if you ever saw it, so I am pasting it here…..
We were there…….. and it was a pleasure to meet you at the Bruin Bash and to chat at the hotel after the game! Thanks for all the great photos – wonderful memories of our win in DC.
In the lobby lounge at the hotel, I am sure you saw that Coach Neuheisel had the biggest smile ever on his face – it remained there the entire evening. Same with the guys from the team (the few that did not take the team charter back home) who hung out there. They were so very happy to pull out a win, as we all were!!
Hopefully we will meet again at the Rose Bowl next year – fan11 included!
It was great to meet you guys as well
Hopefully we can tailgate at the Rose Bowl some time in the near future … if not this year … in the next one (hopefully by then we will have a team competing for the Pac-10 championship).
How about the Texas game..........
we will all be going to that one! It would be great to tailgate there!
PS Did you stick around long enough to see Chris Horton? He came by the hotel kind of late – great guy!! We had a nice chat with him.
Ha ... missed Chris
I did see Horton at the bash. Was going to go up and say hello but ran out of time.
No decisions yet on Texas game. Austin is going to be awesome though.
Have to tell you this..........
someone on the airplane clean up crew on your wife’s plane decided to leave the batteries on all night. Thus they were dead in the morning for our 9:15 AM flight. They found one on site, but could not find another. Located one in Newark. It had to be DRIVEN, not flown down – hazmat thing. After hearing this, we were able to get another flight – had to go over to Dulles for a 12:30 flight. THAT plane was delayed – something with air conditioning system. So, they had to use auxilliary power to start up engines, but filled the auxilliary system with regular gas instead of diesel. Had to drain that and start over. Oh and did I mention that it also had a cracked windshield which had been replaced in Dallas before the plane came on to Dulles? The pilots heard it whistling on the way to Dulles, so that had to be checked out. We took off 3 hours late at 3:30 which was a little better than if we had stayed for the Alaska Air flight which took off at 4:30, over 7 hours late. And of course, they ran out of the decent food on the flight before they got to us…………But you know what? It was ALL worth it to get to see our Bruins get a victory in DC!!!
Wow
Sounds like the drama we almost had when we flew in to California. Our 9:15 am flight then was delayed by snow and we barely made it into the airport. Glad you guys made it safe … we will def. be tailgaiting sometime in the coming years … again!
CRN should be judged on
how the talent he recruited plays when it has sufficient experience to be judged.
He’s not there yet, not close.
We are getting better and he is earning some time to show that he can do after having the people he wants long enough to have them playing within his systems.
sjh
Absolutely
CRN needs to have his recruits in the system and that takes at least 3-4 years as we know not everyone is up to rigors of the college game right out of high school.
The QB competition will be interesting. With Brehaut coming in early and not redshirting he and Prince are the same class level, right? I’m curious if the one that does not get the starting job transfers in order to play somewhere else? At least there will be competition for all of the spots as there was this past season.
Fundamentals, we ABSOLUTELY need to get better at fundamentals. I am so tired of watching our defenders try to arm-tackle the other team. Wrap them up and gring them down…or at least slow them down enough until help arrives.
UCLA - Champions Made Here
Dan Patrick interview
In the Dan Patrick interview, Coach Neuheisel said if he doesn’t win next year then it is fair to ask if he can get the job done or words very much to that effect.
Most intriguing comment by CRN?
“We’ll have to do a great job in the offseason of not only evaluating our talent but our scheme.” (Emphasis Added)
I am pleased to hear this. Many of us have questioned what we perceive to be systemic issues in our D. Good to see the staff taking a hard look at it.
And, I think he should talk to the DC and position coaches about how to improve some of our fundamentals, like tackling, and discipline (penalties).
I’ve watched most every bowl game. There is a clear difference between the consistent play of the winning teams and our inconsistent efforts. I watched crisp clean tackles and it made me realize that we have a way to go.
sjh
I slowly drafted my thoughts by hunt and peck while you were promptly posting your comments
Class of 66: I was working on my point and just finished when you posted your comments. I sorta repeated what you said but in a less a articulate manner. I am sure Coach Neuheisel chews out everybody when they get it wrong including coordinators and position coaches and himself. Leadership involves the ability to make corrections without creating resentment, I think I read that somewhere. Coach Neuheisel has that skill. And let’s give our coordinators credit—they engage in the same self-examination and criticism as Coach Neuheisel does—if they didn’t, I doubt they would be working for him.
No coaching changes
Last week there were some criticisms of the coordinators including some very thorough analysis on the defensive side. I remained unconvinced because I see real, and I mean real documentable progress, from where we were when Coach Dorrall left. There is nothing in what Coach Neuheisel said about coaching changes. I am curious about Coach Neuheisel’s view on coaching performance (his and his subordinates) last year and expectations for next year. He clearly conducts a personal inventory of where he has been and how he has performed and no doubt does the same for his staff. Hopefully neither coordinator even thinks of walking.
In terms of coaching evaluations, I wonder what Coach Neuheisel really thinks of the head coach at usc?
Nestor, can we have more football posts?
Lol, I kept checking back here the last 4-5 days HOPING that the first post would be related to Bruin Football, in my depression over our basketball program right now. Having gone to UCLA from 2005-2009, in the MIDDLE of all of Ben Howland’s success, I never would have thought that I’d be hoping for more football news in the middle of basketball season!!!
After seeing the finalized schedule for next year, I’m counting down the days until September. A 5pm game on ABC????!!! That’s gotta be where WWL Game Day will be… and those Thursday night games on ESPN always seem to involve an Oregon team, and it’s great coverage for our Bruins.
Dreams of Prince to Rosario will get me through the next couple of months…
by inhowlandwetrust on Jan 5, 2010 8:17 AM PST reply actions
Tepa, Maka, Allmond, Golper ...
These names remind me of how much fun last year’s signing day was. Now that the dead period is over, I’m sure the staff is working hard to ensure this year’s signing day is just as fun as the last.
My biggest concern is the DL at this point. It is extremely difficult for young players to make an immediate impact on the DL. Some guys, of course, are more physically mature than others, and I do think our staff will focus on those few that may be able to play immediately, as Nestor pointed out. IMO, one of CRN’s errors at CU and UW was recruiting too much flash, and not enough substance. While we revamped our OL last year, we only signed a couple of DE’s and did not sign a DT. In fact, we haven’t signed a pure DT since BP. This year, we have two DT’s verbally committed that are listed in the 250-260 range, which signals red shirt. We need to sign some big uglies, and we need them to be able to play.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Jan 5, 2010 9:02 AM PST reply actions
Maybe Hasiak can move to DL?
I realize that he was a high profile OL recruit but his attitude and nastiness makes me think DL. Just throwing out suggestions given our current predicament. Of course this only works if he comes back.
good question
I read that he prefers to play OG, which translates a little better than OT to DT. It would definitely be worth exploring.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Jan 5, 2010 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
Good point, and his size is more in-line with the offensive side of the ball. Your Chandler suggestion for DL seems more appropriate.
OL
Don’t we also have OL issues? Why is everyone in a rush to convert people to D? We need some recruits, hopefully some will jump at the chance to start next year.
After our loss of starters, the DL is in worse shape
But yes, OL should always be an area of concentration. We are recruiting for both and have landed a couple for each position. The question is, do we expect the new recruits to start next year? Probably not as they need to build strength, size and learn the scheme. Converting current players to DL with those developed attributes is more manageable. IMHO.
Josh Smith
I’m actually looking forward to hearing about him this upcoming season. He showed game-breaking ability at Colorado which is something our WR unit needs.
Smith and Roasrio as the 2WRs next year will be great
with Carroll working as a speed 3WR and Pressley at the TE spot, we’ll have a burner of a team. I imagine we’ll also see a bit of Fauria at TE as well.
Now, imagine Jones in the backfield with James as a power-option, with Thigpen able to play as a flex option at either WR or RB. drool
Of course, we just now need to got some firmer establishment at the OL and DL position, and hope for some more consistent QB play next year. Both Prince and Brehaut need to step it up next year for us to make a significant job to the 8-9 win range.
I’m hoping the coaching staff formally moves Ayers to DE next year. He’s much better suited to playing from a stance as opposed to upright. Our LBs will be a concern, but we should be strong in the secondary and at end, with Jones and Ayers.
I like the idea
We’ll have Fauria/Harkey/Pressley at the TE position with Pressley being more a receiving TE since he lacks bulk. Depth is good so he would seem like a logical choice to be looked at for DT or he may be moved back to OL to provide depth.
I’m crossing my fingers that CRN is able to get Heimuli and Thompson/Epanesa/Marsch (rumor that he may switch from LSU due to distance). Moore and Flowers need to be redshirted to add bulk IMO.
I know Savage doesn’t play with leverage but I think it’s obvious that OL is not for him thus the coaches should work with Savage to make him serviceable at DT. I have no clue what we have with Keane/Edison/Bradford/Sheller since they haven’t played much or are prior OL that have switched over. We’ll see if the Offensive coaches will allow Allmond to switch over and if Holmes can add bulk.
Run defense is a bit scary right now but I think we’ll improve in pressuring the QB. Would really like to see Bullough use DE’s at the DT position on obvious passing situations to create pressure. The DE position is better positioned than DT with Jones/Stokes/Tepa/Graham/Jackson and possibly Holmes (if he doesn’t switch) and Ayers being used as a DE like we’ve seen this season.
Hopefully Signing Day will be as eventful as it was last year and I can’t wait for tidbits from Spring Practice.
Not a bad idea re TEs
Chow does seem to like the two TE sets, so having a blocking TE (Fauria or Harkey) and a TE/slot receiver in Pressley might work out great.
I just feel bad for Chandler. He’s had to gain weight, lose it, gain it, lose it. Meanwhile, they’ve switched him around so many times and he rarely if ever sees playing time. Poor guy.
I wouldn't count on Marsh
but I’d sure welcome him.
Formerly ryebreadraz
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 5, 2010 2:27 PM PST up reply actions
Position players
Hopefully they can all step up their game, thats alot of young unproven talent.
Josh Smith as returner as well as receiver?
Austin is gone and now the door is open for a speed burner to return punts and possibly kick-offs. The notion is exciting! We haven’t seen speed around here since maybe Mathew Slater, and he was not on the field that often.
I would imagine
it’s pretty much a lock that Smith returns punts. Perhaps Carroll or Thigpen if the coaches feel comfortable enough with their fielding abilities following spring practice.
Who was the Notre Dame
Tight End transfer? He is a huge impact on the passing game because he’s most likely already better than Paulsen and Moya
Formerly ucla13_usc9
by 03rdn9 on Jan 5, 2010 10:07 AM PST via mobile reply actions
or not commit one crucial penalty in every big game? :-)
Kidding at this point. Paulsen had one huge drop against Temple but over all he was all right that frigid night in DC.
Catching the ball......
novel concept. It becomes even more critical given our kind of offense. Fauria could be a huge factor.
Competition at practice
I am pleased with the direction of the program. The talent that is coming in is a big improvement. Now the development and utilization of that talent will be where the rubber meets the road.
As for the competition at practice motto. I find it hard to believe that S. Price was the best at his position week to week. This looked to be more of a ‘allow him to develop’ type of situation.
CAJason mentioned Ayers at DE above
Wonder if Bullough might possibly consider showing more of a 3-4 look next year given out lack of DT depth and Ayers ability to play both levels? The argument against this system here has always been that we don’t have the horses at linebacker to do it, but I think with Ayers we do.
If you're going to a 3-4
then you need a different style of defensive lineman. Datone Jones would essentially be rendered meaningless, as would a couple other of our ends and we don’t have a single nose tackle, let alone thre two or three you need throughout a game. Then, you get to the linebackers, where you really need at least 9 ready to play if you want to make it through a season in a 3-4.
Formerly ryebreadraz
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 5, 2010 11:54 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah, we won't have the linebacking depth
to play an effective 3-4, and Ayers isn’t going to be a good LB to play in running situations. He’s a pass-rusher – not very effective in running situations. Our run defense is likely to be significantly worse next year regardless of which we scheme we run, unless some 310+ DTs magically appear….not likely.
While losing Price is big, also don’t underestimate the impact of losing Jerzy. He was lost in a lot of the BP hype but he was very serviceable as a run-stopping force in the middle. We lose both those guys.
Horrible
Ayers should only be a DE on pass rushing downs..
If you go to a 3-4
which we won’t and can’t do, Ayers would be a rush linebacker.
Formerly ryebreadraz
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 5, 2010 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
I think we need seven regular season wins
comprised of at least 5 conference wins.
That would be a tough, but reasonable, goal.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Jan 5, 2010 11:40 AM PST reply actions
So you're thinking we go 2-1 out of conference?
I’ll be honest – 7-5 will leave me a little bit disappointed. I really would like for us to shoot for 8-4, 6-3 in conference. This is definitely attainable in the conference next year, which would probably slot us in to the Holiday Bowl (remember the Holiday moves from #2 Pac-10 to #3 Pac-10 with the inclusion of the Alamo Bowl), which would be huge.
The only game on the calendar that really scares me is the game at Eugene. All of our other conference games are winnable. Our three hardest games next year, IMO:
@ Oregon
@ Cal
@ Washington
I could probably include USC and interchange with Washington (WA I think will be much better next year, but their record likely won’t show it), but I especially like our chances in the USC game because it is at home.
I really think the bar should be set for a Holiday Bowl berth next year. I know it’s a little crazy at the moment with the depth-chart not even being settled, but that would be just a huge step forward, and a step forward that the team needs to make.
2-1 Out of conference would be quite good
Recall the OOC schedule facing us next fall: @ Kansas State, Houston, @ Texas.
K-State wasn’t all that good this year, but are a well coached team, and we travel to Kansas this time around. Houston’s difficulty will hinge mainly on whether Case Keenum returns for his senior year; if he returns, that game will not be a cakewalk, even at the Rose Bowl. Of course, we finish off the slate with a road trip to Austin.
I’ll be happy to take 2 out of those 3.
formerly bruinhoo
Sheldon Price
Work on your tackling all off-season long boy!!
And add a few more lbs.
He is one skinny boy. It was evident when he got manhandled a few times.
Price has great instincts
He just needs to work on bulking up, as you mentioned, and just becoming a bit more consistent. He’ll get there – he’s no ATV, but he’ll be plenty good.
Maybe you know CAJason80....
What happened to Viney and why did he lose face so quickly? I believe he got suspended with a few other for one early season game but I did not see him the rest of the year. Continuing punishment?
I thought for sure he would be th man in place of Hester. He received a lot of attention during camp, more than Price.
My recollection was
I still think the suspension – whatever it was for – had a lot to do with it. You look at the four guys that were suspended – Viney, Carroll, Pressley, and Knox – and following the Tennessee game, they rarely had reps in the games. Knox was used a heck of a lot more early in the season than he was after the suspension (and honestly, he looked pretty good in both games against Tenn and SDSU).
I’m not even sure if Carroll saw the field again after the Tennessee game. Maybe a couple of plays, but nothing more than that.
Konx......
was used in the Washington and Washington St games just as much as the SDSU and Teennesse games, in fact more. Those games were much later in the season. As for Carroll and Pressley, Jon Gold (LA Daily Times) says.. “Carroll admittedly needs more time with the playbook and his route-running, and Presley was simply inconsistent this season. Both have tremendous skill, and I can see them pushing Embree for time, if only for a speed advantage.”
So I still don’t think the suspension was the basis for Viney unless there is more to it. I will leave it at that. Or maybe I will ask Jon Gold.
Do we get to see Allmond at fullback?
God, I’d love to see a behemoth 260lb fullback who runs a 4.64 forty burst through at the goal line. We tried it with BP. Now see it with a slightly lighter, yet unbelievably fast (for a big man) FB. That’s my vote for next season.
That's the plan, I would think...
unless Coleman gets pushed over to FB and gets immediate attention.
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