Spaulding Roundup: Back in Pads, Barr for Heisman and a Visitor

The Bruins experienced the back end of their first back-to-back days of practice this morning, with another session working in pads. Coach Mora told the media in his post-practice presser that he expects Anthony Barr to be a legit Heisman candidate this fall and that "UCLA needs to promote him." Considering the state of Morgan Center, Mora may need to schedule interviews and mail out some ‘#BarrSoHard’ media packs himself.

Dennis Dodd has written a lengthy piece for CBS Sports on the continuing change in the culture of UCLA Football that Coach Mora and his staff are implementing. Last summer’s camp in San Bernardino - which the team will be repeating, per Brett Hundley - comes up of course, as well as the level of accountability that is being demanded in the classroom. For those who don’t meet demands:

The coaches refer to it as Roll Call... Violators are typically texted the night before. Be on the practice field at 5 a.m. First infraction, the player pays. Second infraction, all the players at the violator's position pay. Third infraction, everyone on that side of the ball pays.

Hundley calls it The Green Mile. Players are required to bend down and push a 2x4 50 yards at a time. That equals more than 35 pushes of the board if you divide 50 yards into the 1,760 yards that equal a true Green Mile.

Details on the work that Brett is putting in and instruction that he is taking - from Steve Clarkson (his private coach) as well as the Bruin staff - is another focus of this piece and more reason to give the full story a read.

The "Green Mile" might strike fear into players in the program, but it is not discouraging to others looking at coming to Westwood. The LA Times is reporting that Pitt running back Rushel Shell is visiting campus this week - the rising true sophomore was one of the top recruits in the Fall 2012 incoming class, but is looking to leave Pitt after a suspension and rumors of other issues last fall. Per Chris Foster:

He requested to transfer and asked to be released to UCLA, California, Arizona and Arizona State. Pittsburgh officials blocked any transfer to Arizona and Arizona State, where former Pittsburgh Coach Todd Graham is coach.

Shell will have to sit out this season - assuming he transfers to another FBS school, but has his redshirt year available and would have three years of eligibility, starting with the 2014 season.

Jack Wang wrote a piece on Kenny Orjioke - the youth of the 17-year old rising sophomore, as well as on the drive that playing last fall further instilled in him.

The Bruins will be back at Spaulding on Saturday at 10:30am.

GO BRUINS!