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UCLA Football: 3 Keys to Spring Practice

By Evan Lovett

Nov 3, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts (88) celebrates with running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) his touchdown scored against the Utah Utes during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts (88) celebrates with running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) his touchdown scored against the Utah Utes during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

A New Offense

With Klemm and Polamalu out, the UCLA offense will have a significantly new feel next season.

New offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch has a thorough pedigree, having coached under Mike Shanahan, Pete Carroll and Steve Spurrier.

Hoping to execute successfully on former OC Polamalu’s shortcomings, the offense will be similar in style, based on the professional game.

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This will likely mean reliance on Starks, Jamobo and Olorunfunmi, as the offense will look to control the tempo early and utilize Rosen’s skillset to balance out the attack.

With Andrews and Lasley earning experience last year, it will be up to up-and-coming star Theo Andrews to break through and provide play-making ability. If Eldridge Massington can stay healthy, he will also be a great weapon for Fisch and Rosen.

One interesting position group to watch is tight ends. They were a bright spot for the offense in 2016, and despite losing Nate Lese, they return Caleb Wilson and Austin Roberts.

With highly-touted recruit Jimmy Jaggers and Michigan transfer Devin Asiasi in the mix, it is no wonder that tight end coach Rip Scherer remains the only staffer returning under Fisch.

The offense, despite its talent, will only go as far as the offensive line will take them.

Fisch has a tall task on his hands with limited personnel in that unit, but if he can devise schemes that enable the line to thrive, the skill position players have the ability to provide Rosen with the complementary pieces he needs to once again achieve Heisman status.

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