In this case, Bruins actually want to snap

Nearly two weeks into training camp, UCLA’s struggles don’t so much involve learning the nuances of a complex offense as they do mastering one of the most fundamental motions in football. Hut, hut, yikes? “We’re having trouble snapping right now,” guard Michael Alves said Tuesday. “We just, we’re trying to get a consistent snap down. It’s really hard when you’re learning the offense, too, and technique at the same time.”

Fortunately for the Bruins, reinforcements have arrived. Offensive line coach Justin Frye has asked the guards to also learn center, as evidenced by the slew of linemen hiking the ball during practice.

Alves said he and freshman center Chris Murray have displayed consistency with their technique, though he remained confident that their fellow linemen could make the needed improvements before the season opener against Cincinnati on Sept. 1.

“I’m sure we’ll get it fixed pretty quickly,” Alves said.

UCLA’s offensive line has been in flux, with tackles playing guard and guards playing center in an effort to build depth and versatility.

Their ranks were bolstered by the arrival of graduate transfer Justin Murphy, who appears recovered from the knee injuries that forced him to medically retire in 2016.

Murphy has added more than a veteran presence.

Said Alves: “He came in the first day and was already putting people on the ground.”

Said guard-tackle Jake Burton: “He definitely adds a nastiness component.”

The linemen may need that sort of viciousness as they try to help revive a running game that has ranked among the worst in the nation the last two seasons.

“To come in here and not be able to run the ball really hurts me as an O-lineman,” Alves said. “So I think a big thing for us is trying to run the ball. And that comes with aggression, it comes with a mentality in our offensive line room of wanting to put the guy in front of us on the ground. So it’s a big weight on our shoulders, and I think our guys will handle it.”