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UCLA coach Bob Chesney’s joy, passion enticed players from former school
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- UCLA coach Bob Chesney’s joy, passion enticed players from former school
Landon Ellis said it wasn't much of a decision.
After spending one season playing for Bob Chesney at James Madison , the wide receiver eagerly followed his coach to UCLA .
"Why would I want to go anywhere else," Ellis said after practice Thursday, "when I know what this staff brings to me and how much joy it brings me to play for Coach Chesney and his people?"
UCLA football coach Bob Chesney brought 10 players with him from James Madison's program. Courtesy of Isabella Serafini
Ellis became one of 10 players who made the cross-country journey alongside Chesney, offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy , defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler and a handful of others.
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Playing for this staff, Ellis said, has been his most enjoyable experience in the sport since he first picked up a football at age 5. He likes how the coaches make everything a competition and infuse players with boundless energy.
Of course, it didn't hurt that James Madison qualified for the College Football Playoff last season for the first time in school history, giving players a taste of success at the highest level.
Ellis said he was also drawn by quarterback Nico Iamaleava , who told the transfer recruit how much he wanted to win during his visit. Iamaleava now occupies the locker next to Ellis' inside the team's practice facility.
"That's another reason why I felt really comfortable coming over here," said Ellis, who made 36 catches for 624 yards and five touchdowns last season, "because I felt that we had that leader already here and we're going to be able to get this program to the next level."
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While the culture shift from northern Virginia can be a bit jarring — there's no Buc-ee's or Bojangles here — the LA lifestyle has its own benefits.
"There's a lot to go sightsee," Ellis said. "You see a lot of famous people, a lot of big names out here, so it took us a little while — I mean, I still get starstruck sometimes going places and seeing people, but it's really cool. It's a polar-opposite shift, but I wouldn't ask for anything else."
Here are five observations from the Bruins' seventh spring practice:
UCLA receiver Jace Brown looks to make a catch over cornerback Osiris Gilbert during spring practice. Courtesy of Isabella Serafini
A bit ragged
The social media team that splices together highlights might have a tough time coming up with a lot of exciting material based on the part of practice open to reporters.
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The only jaw-dropping play came from wide receiver Brian Rowe. The transfer from South Carolina tipped a pass to himself, juked a defender and ran for a touchdown of more than 40 yards.
It was a rough day for Iamaleava, who repeatedly threw passes behind receivers and had two others batted down by defensive lineman Aiden Gobaira and linebacker Scott Taylor. But the defensive backs didn't help themselves with multiple pass-interference penalties.
"One more P.I. call," running backs coach A.J. Steward cracked while watching from the sideline, "we've got to call LAPD."
A prime unit?
Ticking off the depth at every position on offense, Ellis came to a realization.
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"It's Amazon," he said. "We've got whatever you need."
The position that might involve the most intrigue is offensive line.
With the caveat that it's only midway through spring practice and several players are working their way back from injuries, the first-string offensive line Thursday consisted of J.D. Rayner at right tackle, Julian Armella at right guard, Riley Robell at center, Eugene Brooks at left guard and Mack Indestad at left tackle.
But things could change once left tackle Jordan Davis and center Sam Yoon return from the injuries that have sidelined them this spring.
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Talk it out
Communication is a core component of everything Chesney does on the field.
During a fair catch drill, the coach stressed the importance of teammates verbally letting each other know what they were going to do, telling linebacker Drew Spinogatti, "You better f— talk."
When Spinogatti pleaded his case, Chesney shot back, "Yeah, but louder."
Later, the entire team completed up-downs as punishment after failing to echo one of Chesney's calls.
"It's like a lock-in thing, it's a focus thing, it's something we've been doing since Coach Ches got here," Ellis said, "but we had a little dip right there."
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This and that
The energy on the field returned to its usual level after having noticeably dipped two days earlier. …
Defensive back Scooter Jackson was not spotted for a second consecutive practice. Chesney said earlier in the week that he expected Jackson, who was out for unspecified reasons, to return soon. …
Kickers Mateen Bhaghani and Mateo Orosco each went 3 for 3 on field goals during the portion of practice open to reporters.
Injury report
Wide receiver Shane Rosenthal and defensive backs Aaron Williams, Rodrick Pleasant and Malik Hartford wore the black jerseys designating players returning from long-term injuries.
Defensive backs Zeke Johnson, CJ Lavender and Josh Dixon wore non-contact yellow jerseys.
