Spaulding Roundup: Alberto Cid's Retirement and Practice Notes

The Bruins finished up their final regular practice session of the Spring this morning on Spaulding Field, leaving just Saturday night's Spring Spectacular to close out Spring ball. Sadly, along with the end of spring comes the end of Alberto Cid's football career.

#UCLA OL Alberto Cid (concussion) annoucned he will take a medical retirement.

— chris foster (@cfosterlatimes) April 25, 2013

Per Jack Wang, Cid had not told Coach Mora of his final decision as of this morning, though the two had discussed the possibility that he would take a medical retirement after his last concussion, pending Alberto and his family talking things over. The retirement comes after Alberto suffered his latest of multiple concussions. It is too bad that his time on the gridiron had to end like this, but glad that he is willing to look at how this fits into the big picture of his life. All the best with the rest of your time at UCLA and beyond, Alberto!

And a couple of broader notes - for the people that were concerned about the scholarship count after signing day, this is another illustration of how the numbers and bodies eventually add up. Also, looking at the number of guys coming in as part of our monster incoming O-Line class, we can never have too many offensive linemen.

(Video via Youtube.com/UCLA)

Coach Mora addressed what he knew about Alberto's situation, as well as other notes after this morning's session.

• He thought the team put in an excellent day of situational work, and that overall this was a good practice (though he did light into them a bit toward the end of the morning). The team spent time working on some routine gameday details, things like pre-game stretching, coming out of the Rose Bowl tunnel... Still a lot of work to do and a long way to go, but a team that has showing the ability and willingness to put in the long hours.
• The #2 QB spot is wide open, whether it be Jerry Neu, T.J Milweard, or Woulard when he makes it to campus. Jerry Neuheisel reminds Mora of Rick, particularly with his football intelligence, work ethic and great leadership qualities. He does not think that Jerry is ready to 'go out and win games for us' yet, but that he could perform fine for the team in a game.
• Kylie Fitts is expected to participate on Saturday night, but not Ellis McCarthy.
• The freshmen coming in will not have a grace period, or much time to really get adjusted to the college game. They need to come in with the mindset that they are going to start, that they can start and help the team win right away. Mora stressed that point particularly with the Offensive linemen and defensive backs.

"He’s still 17 years old," Mora said. "He’s still maturing, but you’re starting to see it. … All of a sudden, he looks like an outside linebacker who can play and help you win at this level. We’re hoping he keeps developing."

With a couple of days off before Saturday Night's non-game Spring Game, the big news is going to the the Bruins in this weekend's NFL Draft. Datone Jones may be selected late in tonight's 1st round, while Johnathan Franklin has been pegged as one of the top 2 or 3 running backs in this years class, and is likely to be selected sometime tomorrow. Jeff Baca could become the first UCLA O-Lineman taken in the draft since 1999, and Joe Fauria, Jeff Locke and even Aaron Hester as possible late-round selections (or at least, picked up as non-drafted free agents).