LOS ANGELES — UCLA’s offensive line has gone through reconfigurations, group trips to Gogobop and self reflection in order to reach the confidence that it currently has.
“I’m excited to have another week of training and go out to Nebraska and whup some ass,” right tackle Garrett DiGiorgio told reporters on Monday.
The Bruins’ line will likely head into Saturday’s game at Nebraska with the same starting lineup that it’s had for the last three games. In addition to DiGiorgio at right tackle, Nikki Prongos is at left tackle, Spencer Holstege is at left guard, Sam Yoon is at center and Josh Carlin is at right guard.
Carlin, who is DiGiorgio’s roommate, still calls plays since moving from center to right guard.
“We’re starting to gain confidence as a unit,” DiGiorgio said. “And I think it became a personal manner of like, we’re tired of letting (quarterback) Ethan (Garbers) get hit. Let’s protect this guy. Like, we’re tired of it. So I think we’re at that mindset of just taking it week by week, but it’s more of an aggressive mindset for sure.”
The offensive line dedicated the bye week to recovery while working on technique with position coach Juan Castillo. DiGiorgio said the week allowed him to dial into the fundamentals of being a lineman.
UCLA’s passing yardage has steadily increased in the last two games but the rushing yards have fluctuated. The Bruins recorded 36 total rushing yards in a loss to Minnesota before logging 95 in their victory over Rutgers.
“We’ve just gotta work with the running backs on where they can see the holes and honestly just open it for them,” DiGiorgio said. “Working with the backs, we have different footwork for them and we’re trying to switch it up. And I think we’re doing a pretty good job.”
The Bruins have been attempting to generate energy in any possible way throughout the season and the efforts ramped up during the bye week. Performance coach Corey Miller now rallies the team during warmups and players bounce energy off each other.
“We’re just trying to get all the guys excited,” DiGiorgio said. “I’m excited to come practice every day and we’re just making sure that people have energy and are practicing to their full ability. If you’re juiceless, you’re useless.”
FLORES JR. CLOSE TO RETURNING
Receiver Rico Flores Jr. could be back in action soon after missing the last three games due to an undisclosed injury.
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“Rico’s on the verge (of returning), so we’re excited about that,” head coach DeShaun Foster told reporters on Monday.
Flores was not actively participating in practice during the media viewing period on Monday morning but was going through dynamic stretching outside of the weight room.
The sophomore is averaging 46.75 yards per game and is still the Bruins’ third-leading receiver with 187 total yards despite missing three games.
Offensive lineman Reuben Unije, who also has not played since the loss to Oregon, was seen on a stationary bike inside the weight room and did not participate in practice.