A 12 months later, “unavailable” was lastly decoded.
UCLA coach Chip Kelly stated he didn’t maintain out gamers in opposition to an overmatched Soccer Championship Collection opponent final September due to load administration however due to accidents.
The subject got here up as a result of the No. 24 Bruins (2-0) are going through one other FCS opponent Saturday when North Carolina Central (2-0) involves the Rose Bowl. The Eagles can anticipate to face all of UCLA’s high gamers, based on Kelly, and if issues go nicely for the Bruins, numerous reserves as nicely.
“Load administration, that’s an NBA time period,” Kelly stated Monday. “We’ve acquired 12 video games a 12 months — there’s no load administration in faculty soccer, a minimum of not on this program.”
After all, Kelly might have prevented pointless hypothesis had he extra straight addressed the problem a 12 months in the past. Requested instantly after UCLA’s 45-7 rout of Alabama State if operating again Zach Charbonnet and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had been injured, Kelly replied, “Unavailable.” Charbonnet didn’t play and Thompson-Robinson was taken out within the second quarter.
Thompson-Robinson appeared to tweak an ankle shortly earlier than leaving the sport however stated the following week that he was fantastic, main reporters to theorize he had been taken out as a result of he wasn’t wanted throughout a blowout. Kelly stated Thompson-Robinson’s removing was a coach’s determination, not his.
“If you understand Dorian Thompson-Robinson like I do know Dorian Thompson-Robinson,” Kelly stated, “within the 5 years he was right here, Dorian’s by no means been damage as a result of he’s a tricky S.O.B. He’s as powerful as I’ve ever coached and so if you happen to ask Dorian, ‘How do you’re feeling?’ [he would respond] ‘I really feel nice’ and his helmet can be sideways and he’d be looking by way of the outlet.”
The Bruins used 88 gamers in opposition to Alabama State, together with walk-ons and third- and fourth-stringers, however are bracing for a extra strong problem Saturday. The Eagles, ranked No. 17 within the FCS coaches ballot, are coming off a 30-16 victory over rival North Carolina A&T during which operating again Latrell Collier and quarterback Davius Richard mixed for 190 yards and 4 touchdowns on the bottom.
“They’ve our utmost respect,” Kelly stated. “Their quarterback is an NFL prospect, they’ve a security who’s an NFL prospect, it is a good soccer staff.”
A star flip
UCLA defensive again Alex Johnson makes an interception within the second half in opposition to San Diego State on Saturday.
(Tony Ding / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
There was some further celebrating within the shared dwelling of two former walk-ons this weekend.
Defensive again Alex Johnson intercepted two passes in opposition to San Diego State on Saturday and vast receiver Josiah Norwood made an 81-yard landing catch, the longest reception of his profession.
Norwood’s catch fulfilled a hunch that former teammate and present defensive analyst Shea Pitts had the evening earlier than the sport, when he advised Norwood that he would go for 70 yards in opposition to the Aztecs.
As soon as Norwood caught a go over the center from quarterback Dante Moore, he stated, “I used to be like, ‘I would as nicely go for 80 now.’ It was a enjoyable second.”
Norwood and Johnson are amongst a small group of sixth-year seniors on the staff that additionally consists of beginning security Kenny Churchwell III. Their perseverance has paid off in additional than a scholarship.
“As a walk-on, you’re striving to get higher however on the identical time to earn that scholarship and also you need to be validated to your efforts and issues like that,” Norwood stated. “However even after we weren’t on scholarship, it didn’t change the best way that we labored and I feel that’s what’s actually necessary now, it’s like our work habits have been the identical and finally it’s going to catch as much as you, as they are saying. It’s been superior.”
And many others.
Moore was chosen the Pac-12’s freshman of the week after throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns in solely three quarters. … Vast receiver Jadyn Marshall, who has not appeared in a recreation this season, labored out with the defensive backs throughout the early a part of follow, although he was nonetheless carrying the blue jersey of an offensive participant. … Linebacker Ale Kaho, who didn’t play Saturday and was noticed carrying a protecting boot, was “unavailable,” Kelly stated. The coach used the identical time period to explain the standing of receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala and operating again Deshun Murrell. Mokiao-Atimalala has not performed this season and Murrell didn’t take part in coaching camp. … Proper deal with Garrett DiGiorgio on UCLA’s occasional use of tempo on offense: “Nicely, I weigh 300 kilos, so I do get drained, however tempo’s good for us. It will get the opposite staff drained and permits us to impose our will in opposition to them.” … UCLA’s recreation in opposition to Utah on Sept. 23 in Salt Lake Metropolis will begin at 12:30 p.m. PDT and can air on Fox.