Familiarity With Offense Breeds Confidence

A key component behind UCLA’s training camp confidence has been the Bruins’ ability to grasp Coach Karl Dorrell’s West Coast offense.

By keeping things simple with a one-step-at-a-time approach, the Bruins have been able to grow as an offensive unit. Unlike last season, when the team did not always seem to be on the same page, Dorrell and his coaching staff have worked smoothly together, which has helped the players absorb the offense.

“There’s just a lot of familiarity with everything, and when you say something, the guys know exactly what you’re saying,” said assistant head coach Jon Embree, who usually runs meetings with the offense. “You can go over something in a meeting room and come out on the field and they’ll do it.

“You don’t hear that, ‘Oh, I thought you meant ...’ stuff. Everyone is speaking the same language. When that happens, coaches are able to do more. You get more plays run and more reps for players. That also has given us a chance to work on technique more instead of having to keep going over assignments. You can teach players how to do it and help them take the next step.”

Dorrell said the improved offensive chemistry starts with his staff changes. Offensive coordinator and line coach Tom Cable has brought a sense of toughness that blends well with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy’s no-nonsense approach. Wide receivers coach Dino Babers and quarterbacks coach Jim Svoboda have also been good additions because of their attention to detail.

“If you have a great cohesive staff that has a great feel of what their responsibilities are ... the players sense that,” Dorrell said. “When they feel that, ‘Hey, they really know what they are doing,’ that gives them that much more confidence.... And it goes both ways. [The coaching staff has] a lot of trust in them too.”

A year ago, the Bruins did not have much of that. Part of the problem was the coaching staff’s frustration when it realized that the players were not picking up the offense fast enough.

The only player who knew the roles of everyone on the offense was wide receiver Craig Bragg, who had a remarkable season with 73 catches for 1,065 yards and five touchdowns.

“The distance where we are now compared to a year ago heading into our first game is like New York to Los Angeles,” Embree said. “Bragg has taken his understanding of the offense to a completely new level and [tight end] Marcedes Lewis is getting there.”

UCLA does not have a senior-dominated roster. The Bruins start only two seniors on defense and have only 10 who will play key roles in their season opener against Oklahoma State on Sept. 4.

“Although the natural tendency is to lean on seniors, we have some juniors who have stepped up to carry that load, along with sophomores,” Dorrell said. “I’ve encouraged each and every member of the team to not be afraid to be a leader. Everybody can lead. It doesn’t take just one person to be a leader.

“We’re building a team where everybody is accountable to each other. That’s why I’m so encouraged. They are coming together as a team.”

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UCLA hopes to receive word early this week regarding the status of senior receiver Tab Perry. Although he’s been practicing with the team, Perry has yet to receive clearance from the NCAA regarding his eligibility.