Spaulding Report: Offensive Line Injuries for UCLA on Monday Night

Two-a-days on Monday in August in San Bernardino. That's part of football.

Unfortunately, injuries are too.

The Bruins practiced Monday night in full pads and the big bad news is that three of the Bruins starting O Linemen missed some time in the evening practice. Jake Brendel, Conor McDermott, and Alex Redmond all left the field in 11-11 drills with undisclosed injuries. There was no official word on what the injuries were or if there is any sort of timetable for anyone's return. Not surprisingly, the offense was shaky behind the second stringers. Some of that is on the OL, but it also speaks to the deep talent on the defensive line and what that unit can do against a unit without the size and experience as the Bruins starting 5 up front.

Ugh. Mondays.

Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm took his turn evading the quarterback questions, but his appearance with the media was timely considering the O Line issues tonight. Freshman Fred Ulu-Perry replaced Brendel at center and though he struggled with snaps for a bit, Klemm spoke highly of his potential, versatility, and strength. He was one freshman we projected that could play this year instead of redshirting, and it looks that way so far. Klemm also spoke highly of Kenny Lacy who looks to be solidifying his spot at left guard.

The interview is tough to hear over the generators for the lights, but thanks to Michael Chavez with Bruin Sports Report for the video.

video from Michael Chavez and BSR TV via YouTube

Linebackers coach Scott White spoke to the media after the morning session. He says he is pleased with the linebackers as a whole but stresses that the group needs to bring it full time. It's easy to see White's energy and drive when he speaks. He also adds that he's not really having any of Myles Jack returning kicks. Smart.

video from Michael Chavez and BSR TV via YouTube

The OC Register's Joey Kaufman added some practice notes after Monday's early session:

The three quarterbacks, Jerry Neuheisel, Josh Rosen and Mike Fafaul, continued to split reps. Neuheisel and Rosen got most of the looks during 11-on-11s, with Neuheisel running the first-team offense and Rosen going with the second team.

Neuheisel and Rosen looked crisp during the 11-on-11 period, facing a light rush. Neuheisel completed 6 of 8 passes. Rosen, who probably had his best day of camp, completed 15 of 21 and threw four touchdown passes, including two to Mossi Johnson. They had several goal line sets toward the end, which contributed to that figure.

and some notes after the evening session:

Linebacker Deon Hollins was held out of part of the the morning practice because of tightness in his back. ... [DB/KR Ishmael] Adams returned to practice after tweaking an ankle last week. ... UCLA baseball coach John Savage attended Monday morning's practice. His son, Jack, is a freshman walk-on linebacker from Servite.

Jack Wang at Inside UCLA added some of his observations from Monday, as well.

Josh Rosen has not looked as consistently good as he did in spring, and the three-man quarterback competition has not been particularly compelling for the last few practices. Still, he is the one player that has the ability to make a truly head-turning play. On Monday night, those included a beautiful deep ball that went over right over Kenny Walker's shoulder but off his hands, and a long touchdown pass to Nate Starks.

Rosen is slated to make his first media experience this camp tomorrow afternoon.

Hands down the most impressive play of the night belonged to Octavius Spencer. The freshman defensive back ran across the field and made a leaping interception to nab Mike Fafaul's pass — one he held on too even as the receiver took out his legs mid-air.

It's a late night in San Bernardino, so I think the media is tucking it in for the night, and I don't blame them. Lets hope that everyone gets a good night rest and wakes up feeling great tomorrow. Particularly some linemen.

The Bruins next practice is scheduled for Tuesday at 3pm PT, though that start time has been later previously, so if you are heading to SB to watch, keep an eye on twitter for any changes. Out first order of business will be seeing which of the Bruins are dressed and how much they are participating. As we've said once or thirty times here, it is important for the starting QB (Rosen) to get comfortable in the pocket, and having a healthy line in front of him is critical.

GO BRUINS!