Last year the UCLA football team’s strength was its
explosive offense, capable of putting bunches of points on the
board in a short amount of time. It was this offensive unit that
led to a 10-2 record, the best record for the Bruins since
1998.
In the past few months, though, the main forces in that unit
have essentially been cast to the winds. Offensive coordinator Tom
Cable is gone. Quarterback Drew Olson is gone. Running back Maurice
Drew is gone. Tight end Marcedes Lewis is gone.
Enter new offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda. He is in the
unenviable position of taking control of an offense that lost its
leading passer, leading rusher and leading receiver, all in one
off-season.
However, he does have a leg up on most offensive coordinators
new to their jobs ““ he is already familiar with the offensive
system because of his role as quarterbacks coach last year.
It is that system that he hopes will have the same effect on the
new offensive players as it did on the old ones.
“We’re not looking to change much really,”
Svoboda said. “We need to get experienced with what we
already have. The system is good. It’s proven. We’re
going to look to get the ball downfield more and run the ball
better, but that’s pretty much all.”
Redshirt freshman Ben Olson, who will be taking over Drew
Olson’s duties as quarterback, will have an added level of
comfort because Svoboda will also maintain his position as
quarterbacks coach.
“There’s really no adjustment (to a new
coordinator),” Olson said. “It’s nice to sit
there every day with him and be able to talk about the offense.
It’s a huge advantage to be able to talk to him every
day.”
Last year, Cable held the duty of being offensive line coach in
addition to offensive coordinator. So far in spring practice, the
offensive linemen can already tell the difference with their new
coordinator.
“Last year there was much more emphasis on running,”
junior offensive lineman Shannon Tevaga said. “When the
O-line screwed up, everyone was done for. Now, because it’s a
quarterbacks coach, there is not as much focus on us.”
As for Svoboda, who was offensive coordinator in Division II
with Northwest Missouri State University, the switch to a bigger
position has for the most part been an easy transition.
“I’m enjoying it,” Svoboda said. “The
system is in place. There’s just more work that goes in (than
with being quarterbacks coach). I’m still coaching the
quarterbacks, and there are still (the other positions’
coaches).”
The offense at Tuesday’s practice did not appear to be in
its best shape, as the “blue shirts” on defense were
able to dominate the offense.
But the players under Svoboda are confident that he can bring
the same offensive magic to the team that occurred in the late
comebacks last year.
“I’m excited for next year,” Tevaga said.
“This offense is going to do something special. The world is
not ready for it.”