A brief look at UCLA’s training camp practice Wednesday at Spaulding Field
BIG MOMENT
Freshman Austin Burton is buried on the depth chart when it comes to the backup quarterback competition, but the rookie showed flashes of brilliance.
In one team period, Burton dropped the snap but regained his composure and unloaded a 25-yard throw while getting hit in the backfield. Receiver Jordan Lasley adjusted to the slightly underthrown ball and caught it in traffic for a touchdown on the first play of Burton’s drive.
DEPTH CHART
UCLA is sorting through five options at running back and it was junior Bolu Olorunfunmi who got the first snaps Wednesday. Sophomore Brandon Stephens emerged as a second option.
PERFECTION
Sophomore kicker J.J. Molson didn’t miss a single kick during practice. His closest call came on a 30-yarder that banged off the upright before caroming through the goal posts. Molson was inconsistent as a true freshman, converting 12 of 20 field-goal attempts, but worked hard in the offseason to nail down a solid routine, head coach Jim Mora said. Mora also connected his young kicker with Morten Andersen, who Mora coached in New Orleans and Atlanta. Anderson will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.
QUOTABLE
“Three, four, five years ago, it was just this dream. To sit there and look at it, it’s pretty cool.” — Jim Mora on UCLA’s new $75 million Wasserman Football Center