UCLA QB Ethan Garbers starting to establish himself
UCLA football has put its faith in Ethan Garbers as the starting quarterback. Head coach DeShaun Foster doubled down on that sentiment Saturday afternoon after a full-pads practice that was open to the public.
“Ethan has kind of pulled away from the rest of those guys,” Foster told reporters. “It’s not really them pushing Ethan, it’s more Ethan pushing himself.”
Garbers connected with tight end Moliki Matavao for a 15-yard touchdown early in the 11-on-11 period. In a 7-on-7 period earlier in the day, the redshirt senior fired off multiple quick-release passes to Titus Mokiao-Atimalala.
“It’s like our mantra: Do more,” Matavao said. “Ethan makes sure that we know we’ve always got to do more. Meet up in the meeting rooms and all that so I think that’s kind of testament to who we are as an offense right now.”
The backup quarterback position is still up for grabs. Garbers received the majority of reps during a 20-minute, 11-on-11 period that closed out Saturday’s practice, but redshirt sophomore Justyn Martin and freshman Henry Hasselback received reps as well.
The coaching staff awards points for accomplishments on offense and defense throughout practice and keeps the score posted on the practice facility’s scoreboard. Hasselback was working with the third-string offense when the practice was tied at 51 with five seconds on the clock.
Hasselback completed a short pass to Anthony Frias before linebacker Wyatt Mosier halted the play. A flag was thrown, forcing the Bruins to repeat the down.
On the second attempt, freshman defensive back Brett Barry sacked Hasselback to secure a 52-51 win for the defense.
“I liked that they were still competing in the last period,” Foster said. “It was hot today. Defense didn’t quit because they were down a lot. I was just glad that they came out and it came down to the three’s last play and the defense came through.”
Offensive line injury
Offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio appeared to suffer a left ankle injury during a one-on-one drill Saturday. DiGiorgio, who has been at right guard, left the drill with the assistance of a coach and a player before returning to the group with a heavily taped left ankle.
Josh Carlin, who moved to center at the start of fall camp, did not take part in 11-on-11 drills. He stood on the sidelines while Sam Yoon took the majority of repetitions at center.
Offensive linemen who worked into the first-string group included Tavake Tuikolovatu, Alan Makihele, Spencer Holstege and Reuben Unije.
Rebuilding the pass rush
Players that were seen on the first-string defensive line included Jacob Busic, Keanu Williams, Jay Toia and Devin Aupiu. Along with first-string linebackers Kain Medrano and Oluwafemi Oladejo – who could also see time at edge – they’re working to replicate last season’s pass rush after the graduation of key players like edge Laiatu Latu and linebacker Darius Muasau.
“It’s going to be a collective group of guys that are helping and getting pressure on the quarterback,” Foster said. “They’re just finding ways to get to the quarterback, all of the guys. If it’s Femi (Oladejo) coming off the edge, if it’s Busic, if it’s Devin Aupiu, I’m excited for the D-line. We’ve got a couple of more guys in the hole that are on their way, too.”
Matavao earns preseason recognition
Matavao was named to the 2024 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List on Friday. The award recognizes the most outstanding collegiate tight end.
The senior hauled in 14 receptions and averaged 20.2 yards per catch for a total of 283 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season. He is poised to be a factor in offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense this season, which frequently involves tight ends.
“You see what Coach EB did in the NFL with his tight ends and multiple formations, multiple sets,” Matavao said. “It’s just awesome being utilized that way and seeing all of us on the field, it’s kind of what (receiver) Logan (Loya) said the other day: ‘It’s a buffet for all the tight ends.’”