Spring football will be like Christmas in April for first-year
UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell.
Like the little kid who holds off until the big day to open his
presents, Dorrell refused to watch game film of his newly inherited
team.
He wanted no preview of his Bruins playing for another coach. He
wanted to do and see things his way, install his own systems and
give every player a fair shot to earn playing time.
Now, with four weeks to practice his players, culminating in an
April 26 intrasquad scrimmage, Dorrell will get to do just
that.
“I’m excited about this week,” Dorrell said.
“For three months, I’ve done everything but coach
football.”
“I can’t let (game film) taint my thoughts. Prove it
on the practice field. It’s like wiping the slate
clean.”
The only time Dorrell has seen his new team perform, besides
watching the Las Vegas Bowl, was during winter conditioning when he
oversaw player workouts that began at 6 a.m.
“It was a shock treatment, but they became fond of
it,” Dorrell said. “We had to set the tone on what
we’re going to embark on.
“I challenged them. We’ll run your tails into the
ground. Are you still feeling like you’re on a
honeymoon?”
Spring practice will also allow for Dorrell to get his first
look at his three quarterbacks, who are competing for a starting
job.
Most importantly, he just wants to make this team his.
“I have to build trust within them,” Dorrell said.
“I want to build on team chemistry. “There were some
fragments there that have to come together.
“I just want them to practice hard and play hard.
Let’s get it out on the field.”
Page turns
Starting strong safety Jarrad Page will participate in spring
ball after all. The true freshman had planned to play outfield for
UCLA baseball, but chose to concentrate on football after injuring
his right (throwing) shoulder.
Off-season owwies
Defensive tackle Rodney Leisle underwent minor wrist surgery
after last season, while linebacker Justin London had minor
shoulder surgery. Both will be ready for spring practice.
Offensive tackle Alex Potasi (knee) and wide receiver Ryan Smith
(ankle) will be limited in drills.
Tailback Jason Harrison (knee), defensive end Kirby Joseph
(knee) and long snapper Joe Tomasello (shoulder) are out.
Old school
Dorrell has called for the team’s uniforms to resemble
those he wore as a Bruin player in the 1980s. The new jerseys would
feature traditional block lettering of the numbers.