The UCLA football team returned to the practice field on Tuesday to prepare for the beginning of conference play. It was also the official beginning of the Richard Brehaut era, as he took the field as the undisputed starting quarterback for the Bruins.
Brehaut took 70 percent of the snaps on Tuesday, with Kevin Prince and Brett Hundley splitting the remaining 30%.
"It felt good," Brehaut said. "I felt like this is where I belong and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity since the day I stepped on campus here. I’m ready for it, I relish the opportunity to be the guy that takes this team and does what everyone doesn’t think we can do."
Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson was happy that Brehaut was named the starter, and expects the passing game to improve this weekend.
"It helps when you have one guy as far as the timing and the reps, especially from a passing standpoint," Johnson said. "You can focus on one guy and say this guy is going to be the guy and you start developing some sense of timing."
Improvement is always welcome.
More from practice...
On the injury front:
- Kip Smith did not practice, and he will most likely be a game time decision. No worries, Jeff Locke, Kicker of All Trades, will be ready to step in.
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Andrew Abbott is still out from his concussion, so we're screwed at CB. Walk-on Librado Baracio is inching up the depth chart. Jamie Graham is still out, his return delayed by two weeks after having surgery on a torn meniscus.
- Tony Dye sat out of practice according to Peter Yoon of ESPN, but Jon Gold says he wore a red (no contact) jersey.
- Get well soon, Sean Sheller.
As for the issues with tackling, Jon Gold noted that the players were taking ownership of their tackling issues. I hope to see the improvement this weekend. I think I hoped the same last week also. Fool me once..
However, the defense may be showing signs of coming together:
The maligned UCLA defense showed a sign of solidarity when, after Iuta Tepa intercepted a pass during team drills, they all chased after him and cheered around him in celebration. "We loved him up," defensive end Datone Jones said.