6 things to watch at UCLA football’s spring showcase – Daily News

LOS ANGELES — The spring practice slate for UCLA football still has another week, but the marquee date on the schedule is set for Saturday when the annual spring showcase takes place.

Unlike for games, students won’t have to trek far, with the showcase being held at 9 a.m. on campus at Drake Stadium.

While practices have been open to the public all spring at Spaulding Field, Saturday will be the only time until the fall when fans can check out the team in a more official, stadium-like atmosphere.

Here are a few things to watch for at UCLA’s spring showcase:

1. It won’t be a spring game

Unlike USC – which is hosting a live-action scrimmage during its spring game that is also taking place Saturday – UCLA’s showcase will be “just another practice,” head coach Chip Kelly said earlier this week.

It will feature the offense against the defense, but in a controlled, situational setting – much like each of UCLA’s practices this spring. Kelly has emphasized a different facet of the game each day, such as two-minute drills, red-zone work and third-down focus.

Kelly said the coaches will try to touch on everything they can get to on film for a game. But the fifth-year UCLA coach is not too keen on unleashing his players in a full-on scrimmage.

“Sometimes, if you just scrimmage and the ball doesn’t get to the red zone, then you’re not getting red-zone [work],” Kelly said. “We’ll specifically move the ball situationally to different spots on the field. And then try to get in some different situations.”

2. It won’t be on ESPN

The showcase will probably be the same as any of UCLA’s 15 allotted practices this spring, minus any schemes Kelly wants kept private because the Pac-12 Network will be airing it live.

But it will reach far fewer households than USC’s spring game at the Coliseum, which is being televised nationally on ESPN. When asked about the team across town winning the battle of exposure, Kelly responded with apathy.

“I don’t think spring games are that important in terms of what people are watching,” Kelly said. “You’ll have to look at the numbers, from a demographic standpoint. I can’t tell you what spring game viewership is like.”

3. How do the offensive stars look?

UCLA’s prolific offense returns two key starters – quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet – who are hungry for a Pac-12 title and perhaps a Rose Bowl Game appearance to cap their collegiate careers.

The work starts in spring ball, where Thompson-Robinson has been zipping passes like a veteran starter and Charbonnet has looked noticeably bigger. Fans will get a peek at how the duo looks and if they’ve developed any new tools heading into the season.

4. New targets, new protection

On offense, the Bruins must replace their top three receivers from last season, with wide receiver Kyle Philips and tight end Greg Dulcich declaring for the NFL draft and wide receiver Chase Cota transferring to Oregon.

Look for returners Kam Brown and Kazmeir Allen to play a bigger role without Philips. Duke wide receiver transfer Jake Bobo has also impressed during spring practice. At tight end, Michael Ezeike will get a chance to replace Dulcich.

Three starters on the offensive line are also gone. Hopefuls competing for a starting spot protecting Thompson-Robinson include Garrett DiGiorgio, Josh Carlin and Tyler Manoa, who switched over from the defensive line.

5. New faces on defense

In addition to Bobo, several transfers have turned heads, especially as new defensive coordinator Bill McGovern works in his scheme. His defense has been causing some headaches for the offense during practice.

Linebacker Darius Muasau (Hawaii) and cornerback Azizi Hearn (Wyoming) are veterans who could start right away. Muasau had been splitting time with Caleb Johnson during practice at inside linebacker before Johnson entered the transfer portal. Hearn will look to replenish a secondary that struggled to defend the pass last season.

The Murphy twins, Gabriel and Grayson, from North Texas could also contribute right away as edge rushers.

6. ‘Sense of normalcy’

While the spring showcase is shaping up to be nothing more than a glorified practice, Kelly said he’s looking forward to seeing fans for the first time in two years.