Theo Howard enrolled early at UCLA and was able to practice during spring workouts, learning the new offense and having all summer to go over the "huge" playbook. So when he had to miss a week of fall camp due to a strained hamstring, he didn't get behind like another true freshman might.
Already earning high praise from his veteran teammates, the 4-star freshman wide receiver who's back in practice and expected to be a major contributor was moved by head coach Jim Mora to take on veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau in WR/DB 1-1 drills.
What happens when UCLA's most highly touted WR prospect goes 1-on-1 vs. UCLA's top CB? This: pic.twitter.com/l0JyBJgsmw
— Matt Joye (@mattjoye) August 18, 2016
"We just want competition all the time, and I thought that would be a good match up for Theo and for Fabian," Mora said in remarks after practice.
"It was good competition," Howard said, "whenever I do get to go against him, he helps me get better."
Were you held, Theo?
"Uhh," he smiles, choosing to be diplomatic, "You could say both of us had a little tussle."
Here's video of the freshman wide receiver after practice on Thursday, courtesy of Edward Lewis of Bruin Sports Report.
Thuc Nhi Nguyen has more on the highly touted freshman in the LA Daily News.
Mora met with reporters after practice briefly to give an injury update and the news is actually pretty good.
Kenny Lacy had an MRI on his knee which came back negative. Deon Hollins is "creeping his way back towards practicing," along with Cameron Griffin. Breland Brandt and Takkarist McKinley "should be okay," Alex Van Dyke was pulled out of practice for a little bit due to tightness in his groin, but is otherwise fine.
Jacob Tuioti-Mariner at the end of practice had pains in his side and has appendicitis. As of yesterday afternoon, Mora was unsure if the defensive lineman would go in for surgery to get it removed, or go on antibiotics.
Here are his brief remarks after practice, again courtesy of Edward Lewis of Bruin Sports Report.
And as for #MiqueWatch?
UCLA linebacker Mique Juarez missed a sixth consecutive day of practice with an excused absence. There's no update.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) August 19, 2016
The Bruins are set for their last two-a-day in San Bernardino today, the first session at 8:30am, and the evening session at 5:30pm.
GO BRUINS.