At one point during Thursday’s practice, redshirt freshman running back Milton Knox was handed the ball, ran to the right, turned the corner and lowered his shoulder once redshirt sophomore cornerback Courtney Viney appeared in his vision.
The pair, both listed at 5-foot-8, collided, which drew a collective yell from the rest of the UCLA football team and those in attendance at Spaulding Field. Viney ended up on his back.
“In all seriousness, it was a great practice,” coach Rick Neuheisel said following the first full-pad practice of Fall Camp. “Great intensity.”
Knox’s powerful rush was only one of the day’s impressive offensive plays. Through the air, redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince hooked up with sophomore wide receiver Taylor Embree for a long completion after Embree got past sophomore safety Rahim Moore on a flag route.
Though Neuheisel made Embree do push-ups for celebrating the score, he added that he was encouraged by the offense’s continued improvement, especially on the line.
“The young offensive linemen are improving on a daily basis,” Neuheisel said. “That increases the competitiveness at the position. “¦ I like where we’re heading.”
As expected, highly touted freshmen offensive linemen Xavier Su’a-Filo and Stanley Hasiak have seen considerable time with the first-team offense this week.
Neuheisel said that they have to be given the reps in order to “find out” if they are a good fit.
“They understand the challenge; it isn’t like it’s a secret,” he said.
The defense, meanwhile, remains consistent. Moore, who admitted after practice that he was winded due to the full pads, said that the defensive unit is a lot stronger and faster than it was a year ago.
“Really, it’s not about how big you are or how strong you are,” he said. “It’s about those who want it. We’re going to play hard day in and day out.”
The team will hold two practices on Saturday.
QUICK HITS: Redshirt senior quarterback Kevin Craft did not participate in Friday’s practice due to fever-like symptoms. “¦ Sophomore wide receiver Nelson Rosario (ankle) and freshman wide receiver Randall Carroll (groin) were out of practice as well. Neuheisel said he hoped both would be ready for Saturday’s practices. “¦ Redshirt senior tight end Ryan Moya (knee) also hoped to be back on the field on Saturday, but Neuheisel said a return on Monday is more realistic. “¦ Senior cornerback Alterraun Verner and redshirt junior kicker Kai Forbath were named ESPN.com first-team All-Americans.