One-on-one drills between defensive backs and receivers do not come more heated than reps between sophomore cornerback Ishmael Adams and redshirt senior wide receiver Shaquelle Evans.
It seems that each time Evans breaks loose for a big gain or score, Adams responds with his own moments. Even during minimal contact drills, such as those seen Thursday afternoon, Adams can be seen making a break on the ball to jostle for an incompletion, wrestling Evans’ upper body to the ground on shorter routes where the cornerback arrived just too late, or peppering the receiver’s arms with swipes at the ball.
The duo’s energy against each other pleases coach Jim Mora.
“Two really good players competing their tails off – you love to see that … A couple (of) starters in the Pac-12 with a chance to battle every day … I think it’s fantastic,” Mora said.
The 5-foot-8 Adams, who surrenders five inches of height to Evans, believes that the physical battles between the two trains each player well for when UCLA squares off against other teams.
“We have a very competitive relationship, especially out on the field. We both want to be great at our positions. The best thing for us to do, to prepare to dominate on the field, is to prepare as hard as we can against each other.” Adams said. “It’s strictly business. Once we’re off the field … it’s all a family thing.”
The intra-team rivalry between Evans and Adams is a fairly new development, given that this season marks the first time both are starting for their respective positions at the same time. While Evans started in all 14 games last year, Adams, a reserve last season, missed all but two games to injury during his first year at UCLA.
In addition to shadowing wideouts along the field’s perimeter, Adams’ fall camp duties have included handling slot receivers. Lining up closer to the interior of the field represents an entirely different challenge for Adams.
“It’s a lot more going on. You have receivers come from both sides, the line closer to you, you have linebackers right there next to you. It’s a lot faster, with more bodies moving near you. So you just have to focus, look at your reads and attack it,” Adams said.
According to sophomore wide receiver Jordan Payton, UCLA figures to have the physical tools in the secondary to combat different kinds of speeds from opposing offenses. Payton praised the defensive backfield’s athleticism and talent during San Bernardino camp last week, in the face of questions raised over a largely unproven secondary that returns no starting players from last season.
Sound Bites from Mora Group Interview
– Mora suggested that college football may not have two pass rushers as quick off the edge as senior outside linebacker Anthony Barr and freshman outside linebacker Deon Hollins.
– The coach insinuated that the running backs on the team present the dullest on-field personality as a positional group, offering the suggestion that they “get hit so often.” Offensive lineman were praised as the goofiest unit, comprised of “funny” people that are “sometimes a little awkward.”