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Bruin Bites: UCLA Football "Offseason" Notes - Campus visits, High School Camps, Preseason Honors

In what passes for downtime in football, but would probably be the busiest week of the year activity-wise for our dumpster basketball program, UCLA hosted a series of football camps for high school players, had a visit from 4 star running back recruit T.J. Simmons, and racked up more national notice on the Heisman and All-American fronts.

There's more where that came from
There's more where that came from
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA football camps are in full swing, designed to shine a light on UCLA for high school players. Here is a link to one of the Elite Big Man Camp leaders, a camp for offensive and defensive linemen. This is from Gridiron Combatives. I have no idea what "Panantukan style Hammer Fist punching" is, but after a few sessions in Westwood, I would be ready to apply these skills if our Athletic Director tries to cut in line at Dunkin Donuts. Got to love this picture from the camp.

Moving on to the current Bruins, ESPN.com football analyst has been looking at the Heisman pool. Steele has Oregon's Marcus Mariota at the top of his list. But, checking in at #6 is #Hundley4Heisman. Here is what Steele has to say about Brett-

It is dangerous putting Hundley this low, as I think the Bruins have a great shot at making the College Football Playoff. Last year, despite playing behind a questionable offensive line that allowed 36 sacks, Hundley threw for 3,071 yards, completed 67 percent of his passes, posted a 24-9 TD-INT ratio and became the first UCLA QB to lead the team in rushing (748 yards) since 1964. This year, Hundley has a healthier offensive line and a strong supporting cast with 16 returning starters that not only has Bruins fans thinking Pac-12 title, but also their second Heisman in school history (Gary Beban in 1967).

Keep your calendars marked for the October 11 showdown with the Ducks at the Rose Bowl.

Continuing on the potential honors front, Athlon has announced their 2014 preseason all-american team. And two Bruins, Myles Jack (1st team) and Eric Kendricks (3rd team) are on the list as all-american linebackers. Here is the complete list.

On the recruiting front, **** RB  recruit T.J. Simmons from Lakeland Christian School in Lakeland, Florida was in Westwood last week, and from all reports enjoyed himself thoroughly. Hopefully, he will enjoy himself even more when he comes to campus for his first day of practice as a prospective member of the 2015 Bruin squad. Big announcement coming next week on his decision.

Finally, on the former player front, UCLA grad Jerry Rice Jr. has signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins. He will need all the help he can get as he joins the Dan Snyder circus, but it is great to see him pursue his dream of following in his dad's NFL footsteps.