It is a New Season and with the new season a New Hope for the UCLA Bruins. GM Otterpop has committed to do what it takes to bring the Bruins back into the spotlight.

The 2018 was a season of disappointment and left a bitter taste in every Bruins fans mouth but 2019 we will be better. The 2018 season was not a total train wreck, 2017 Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Beal had an solid season, not the stellar season that he had in 2017 but still a solid foundation to build on for 2019. Other bright spots of the 2018 season were TE John Jahn who was named to the 2nd team All-American Team after his 63 catches 1,116 yard 10 touchdown season, and Center Michael Smith was named to the 1st team All-American Team in addition to winning the Dave Rimington Trophy for the most outstanding center in college football.

Speaking with the 2nd year GM said “There is a clear game plan in place this season. Last season we started late and had to play catch up. This season we start the building process on making UCLA a force that teams have will have to deal with each week. We do not want to be the team that everyone looks and says oh that is a win. No that not going to happen, not on my watch”

When asked about the coaching staff future, Otterpop stated. “I have evaluated each coach and determine their strength and weakness and will make changes that fit to each coaches strengths and to the team’s goal on competing for National Titles.” When pushed about possible firings the GM just said I have not comment at time. But he announce that Defensive Line Coach Edward Graham has retired.

When asked about the roster, Otterpop stated that every position is always being evaluated. We have players who want to transfer, who graduate or just lost the love the game and just leave every year so this will always be a constant with our team, and I will always be on the look out to place the best player at every position whenever possible.

Bruins Fans do not disappear there are clearer days in UCLA Future

Recap of the First Week of Transfers and Signings

The First Week has brought a lot of changes to the UCLA Bruins. The first of which was the firing of Head Coach James Howard. James leaves the Bruins with a 17 and 17 record. GM Otterpop Thanked Coach Howard for his dedication to UCLA program and wished him well in his future endeavors.

With that being said UCLA is pleased to announce that Former Rutgers Defensive Coordinator John Dunlap as their new head coach. Last season the Bruins defense was near the bottom of the league. Coach Dunlap comes in with the philosophy that we at UCLA believe a defense should be run and we expect that our defense will be vastly improved.

Coach Dunlap wasted no time by keeping both Offensive Coordinator William Robinson and Defensive Gerald Garcia. Some scuff and the keeping of Coach Garcia but Coach Dunlap said he is the man for this job he believes in my system so he will remain on the Coordinator.

Coach Dunlap also keep QB coach Bruno Hall, switch Running Back Coach to coach the Wide Receivers, Offensive Line Coach John Sharpe remains along with Tight End Coach Andre Adams.

On the defensive side of the ball Linebacker Coach, Daniel Romo remains and former wide receiver coach Clyce Cash moves to coach the secondary. Interviews are still being conducted to fill the open Defensive Line and Running Back Coach.

Speical Team Coach Jefferson Johnson could not be reached because he is on vacation in Hawaii.

The Bruins are Pleased to Welcome

Offense

QB William Wilkinson from a small Community College in Tennessee
LT Eric Sands
WR Eric Reulet
WR Joseph Dixon from a small Community College in Illinois

Defense

DE Walter Walters
DT Joseph Tallent
LB Antonio Reyes
LB John Begley
CB Brian Smith
CB Bryan Sirman
CB Wade Mitcham
CB Terrance Miller
FS Steven Bacon

Recap of the Second Week of Transfers and Signings

It was a quiet 2nd week for the Bruins. The news of the week was the return of former head coach James Howard, who is going to run the special teams and continue to assist new head coach John Dunlap. Coach Howard was excited about his return and the players were happy to see that he will remain with UCLA.

There were two additional signings this week. Right Tackle Eugene Marchand and Fullback Adam Beck.

When asked about if there were any additional signings in the upcoming week. General Manager said, "You never know there is a lot of schools out there competing for the same players. I do feel however that even if we do not get one more transfer we have done what we set out to do this offseason. We added a few key components to the offense and we drastically improve the speed of our defense.

Now we begin the evaluation of the incoming freshmen for National Signing Day.

Recap of the 3rd Week of Transfers and Signings

Another quiet week for the Bruins as they were unable to find a Defensive Line and Running Back Coach. Coach Dunlap was not worried and feels he will have though position filled very soon.

Players transfer the Bruins are pleased to welcome on the defensive side of the ball CB Jason Richey, SS John Reyes, LB Jeffrey King, and FS Donald Grub and on offense Tackle Mark Petty who in a pinch could play guard also.

Coach Dunlap was, very pleased with the additions. Last season defensive backfield were solid defenders but lacked the speed to keep up. We have improved in that area.

The continued improvement of the Bruins continues today with the first day of National Signing day, experts are predicting that Defensive End Gregory Hunter, CB Luke Kennedy, LB Allen Norton and FS Neil Shackelford are on top of Dunlap's wish list.

NATIONAL SIGNING WEEK- DAY 1



In a bold and aggressive move, the Bruins announced the signing troubled linebacker Allen Norton from Butler High School in North Carolina.

Coaches Dunlap, Garcia and Romo were all very excited about the signing of Norton. Said Head Coach Dunlap, Allen is bright kid and what happened when he was 17 should not reflect the man he will turn into and coming to UCLA he will continue to growth.

Linebacker Coach Romo was quoted, "Allen was a man among boys, he is smart, dedicated and stop the run and chase down the quarterback. He will be on the field every down we won't be afraid to play him. If Allen learns to play man coverage he will find himself in the NFL dominating there."

Allen will be a welcome addition to the defense a true linebacker. Concerns over his troubled past will continue to follow him. On the football field there is no denying his talent against the run, he is solid and running backs will want to run the ball on the side of the field he isn't covering on that down, rushing the passer he will bring fear to even the most veteran Quarterback, and Wide Receivers and Tight Ends will not want to catch the ball in the middle of the field in fear of the hit they will take from Norton.

If Norton is able to put the past behind him and evens learns to pass coverage at an average level he will be the STUD that UCLA needs on their defense.

NATIONAL SIGNING WEEK- DAY 2



The Bruins continue to address their defense on day 2 by signing Free Safety John Mayo, from Fisher High School in Fisher Indiana.

There was a lot of excitement in the office of Otterpop. All the coaches were in a serious debate who the next scholarship should go to. In one corner you had a strong case for highly rated Running Back Brett Batty and in the other corner was top rated Safety left on the board.

In the Coach Cash and Coach Dunlap made convincing arguments and the decision was set on making the offer to John Mayo.

John excels in zone schemes. Comes forward out of his pedal with very good explosion and closing burst. Quick to see the play develop underneath, close the cushion and limits yards after the catch. High and a bit rigged in his pedal but makes up for it at this level with his good closing speed coming out of his breaks. Good ball and high point skills in deep coverage. He is also big-time hitter but lowers his shoulder more than he wraps in run support. Does show he is a reliable tackler in the open field.

Secondary Coach Cash said about "Mayo is a talented, scheme versatile athlete with some ball-hawking attributes. Coaching up his technique, and once he settles in at one position as well as continued physical development, should dictate his college success at the next level.

The Signing of Mayo shows the commitment of UCLA brass to improve the defense that hunted the team last season. Will it be enough only time will tell there are 5 more signings to go will they all be on the defensive side of the ball or will they address some needs on the offensive side also?

NATIONAL SIGNING WEEK- DAY 3



Day number 3 saw the Bruins address the future tight end? Tony Johnson was a 2 way player at Central Catholic High School. Tony is a terrific athlete and once he drops his defensive end weight should be a great Tight End and should be ready when John Jahn graduates.

Asked about his experience at the Tight End Position Coach Dunlap said he played one season at tight end and showed tremendous growth. Tony knows he has a lot to learn from the tight end point of view but is ready to play anywhere if needed. So we are going to give him a shot at the tight end spot.

John Jahn is the starter but it is great to see the Bruins address the future by signing Tony. He is a big kid and should grow into the tight end spot. Training camp will be key to determine if he is the future tight end or somewhere else on the Bruins roster.

NATIONAL SIGNING WEEK- DAY 4



After selecting their first offensive player yesterday the Bruin brain trust went back to defense and signed the William Howe big kid from St Mary's High School West Bloomfield, Michigan.

William is set to begin his college career as Linebacker. He is really raw and shows tremendous coverage skills for a player his size.

When asked about his weight, Coach Romo said he has the desire and the perfect attitude if he is patient he will get that weight down and will be a great player for our squad.

NATIONAL SIGNING WEEK- DAY 4 thru DAY 6



On day 5 the Bruins were able to sign Dennis Ricks an athlete from Bradley Illonis. Dennis played several positions at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School. For the Bruins, he is going to play Linebacker. Dennis should excel at the position he is a tackling machine and is not afraid to chase down the quarterback.



On Day 6 stayed close to home and signed Wideout Daniel Vega. Daniel has the speed and the hands to be a great Wide Reciever but will need time to grow and learn the position.




On Day 7 on the final day of National Signing Week the Bruins sign the big kid from Texas Glen Smith. Glen is a project and will take time to grow into a solid offensive lineman for the Bruins.