Head coach Deshaun Foster during spring football practice at the Wasserman Football Center on the UCLA campus on Friday, April 19, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA's spring showcase provided a glimpse of what changes are coming under first-year coach Deshaun Foster.
Foster is focused on bringing back traditions, including bringing back the Spring Showcase at the Rose Bowl for the first time since 2015.
“Coach Foster has done a great job of bringing a lot of energy and vigor,” quarterback Ethan Garbers said. “Without him, none of this would have been possible. None of that would have been possible this entire spring. He's done a phenomenal job, so all the praise goes to him.”
Saturday's event brought back another pregame tradition.
Foster confirmed that Bruin Walk will be back. Coaches and players walked down the aisle as they entered the Rose Bowl with family and friends cheering them on.
Foster says it's important for players to have that moment with their fans and loved ones, and there's something special before a game.
“These kids like that,” Foster said. “When I explained the history to them, they all cheered and got excited. … They're excited to embrace the Bruin history that we have and that we've kept away from. ”
The tradition returned after former coach Chip Kelly decided to skip the Bruin walk and instead park the bus right near the gates of Rose Bowl Stadium.
When the teams arrived, instead of going into the locker room as usual, everyone went straight to the field to watch an exhibition game between the UCLA men's soccer team and the Liga Premier U23 selection.
The Bruins were freed from their traditional practice schedule at Wasserman Football Center and added playing time throughout the afternoon, resulting in a 43-31 victory for the offense.
Practice began with a heartwarming moment when liver transplant recipient Joshua Perry was allowed a touchdown and was carried onto a player's shoulders in the end zone.
Liver transplant recipient Joshua Perry just scored a touchdown at the UCLA Spring Showcase. The players then hoisted him onto their shoulders in the end zone. pic.twitter.com/VPGgIiLnvZ
— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) April 27, 2024
Wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala was impressive, catching every pass from UCLA's quarterback.
Mokiao-Athimalala missed all of last season for undisclosed reasons, but has bounced back in a similar fashion to when he transferred from the University of Central Florida.
“Titus is my guy,” Garbers said. “We spend a lot of time together. … We definitely have a good relationship going into the season.”
Edge rusher Devin Opiu recorded a sack of Garbers, and cornerback Devin Kirkwood's pass was the highlight of the defense.
The defensive front, led by lineman Jay Toia, continues to work with Opiu and Jacob Busic, who fill the roles vacated by Laiatu Latu, Gabriel and Grayson Murphy.
Latu was drafted in the first round of the draft by the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday. Toia, Foster and defensive coordinator Ikaika Marrow were all in attendance to show their support for Latu before returning to the showcase.
The Detroit trip added to an already eventful few days for Toia, who recently withdrew his name from the transfer portal.
“I lost my rhythm a little bit,” Toia said after an eventful week. “But it’s good to be back.”
Linebacker Jalen Woods provided a special highlight for the team when he blocked a field goal attempt in the final minutes of practice.
At the end of practice, an autograph session was held with former and current players. The list of attendees included Latu, Darnay Holmes (New York Giants) and John Gaines II (Arizona Cardinals).
