Nothing will help the UCLA Bruins’ chances in the Big Ten Conference this season than improved play on the line of scrimmage. In UCLA’s first two seasons in the Big Ten, the Bruins have been overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage.
The adjustment to the physicality and strength of the Big Ten hasn’t been kind to UCLA but new head coach Bob Chesney has tried to remedy that problem during his first offseason with the team. Not only has Chesney attacked the recruiting circuit, he also landed over 40 new players through the transfer portal.
Many of those transfers are players that Chesney is already familiar with from his time at James Madison but Big Ten action will be another test for the unproven offensive and defensive line of UCLA.
Chesney discussed the new-look offensive line after practice on Monday.
“They continue to get better every single day and we’re starting to find some depth there as well,” Chesney said. “We just need those guys to keep battling, like they do, and overall they’re growing as a unit in a really positive way.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Chesney shared the same optimism for the UCLA defensive line.
“It just keeps getting better and we’ve been really forcing physicality right now by the goalline. Forcing ourselves into some 2-on-1 double-team drills, just making them fight,” Chesney said. “They’re doing a heck of a job right now. Their technique just keeps getting better, their get-off and launch, separation, it’s been impressive to me.”
It’s still early, but Chesney appears quite satisfied with how his offensive and defensive lines have performed so far through camp.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Bob Chesney voices his belief in his offensive and defensive lines