QB Thompson-Robinson is holding off on NFL decision
LOS ANGELES >> As UCLA prepares for Cal in the final game of the regular season this week, the Bruins also will prepare for a final send-off for some of their upperclassmen before the game.
Senior quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be among the players who might be playing their final college game at the Rose Bowl this weekend, but he’s likely to have the final say on whether or not it will be.
“It’s going to be surreal,” Thompson-Robinson said about the home finale. “We know there’s some decisions to be made ... but we’re going to live it up like it’s our last one, even if it might not be.”
The quarterback has spent four years with the program but has the opportunity to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to players who participated during the 2020 pandemic-impacted season.
He said there have been some discussions already with his family, teammates and coaches about his future, but an official decision won’t come for a few weeks.
Thompson-Robinson mentioned several factors that will go into his decision, including the way the team finishes the season and what information he’s able to gather from NFL draft scouts and experts familiar with the evaluation process.
“It would be nice to have a winning record and a nice note to leave off on,” Thompson-Robinson said.
He’s coming off a notable career game, finishing with 395 total yards and six total touchdowns against rival USC.
Thompson-Robinson received weekly awards for his effort, including being voted as the Pac-12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
He moved past former Bruins quarterback Drew Olson (8,324 from 200205) to move into fourth all-time in total career offense with 8,061 yards. Josh Rosen (2015-17) is third on the program’s list with 8,456.
While Thompson-Robinson’s attention has turned to the Golden Bears for this week, he said his phone has “blown up” with friends reaching out with reactions after the USC game.
“We want to put ourselves in the best position to make the best bowl game and move on from there and leave on a high note, so this isn’t a pushover game,” Thompson-Robinson said. ”We really want to go out there and win this game.”
As the Bruins (7-4 overall, 5-3 Pac-12) await the decision of several other players, including tight end Greg Dulcich, receiver Kyle Philips and running back Zach Charbonnet, there are others who know it will be the end of their college journey.
Running backs Brittain Brown, Ethan Fernea and defensive back Qwuantrezz Knight are among the super seniors who will say their final goodbyes in the Rose Bowl ahead of the Cal game and before playing their final game in a UCLA uniform during a bowl game.
“It was an amazing way for our seniors to go out, beating USC,” Knight said after a 62-33 victory. “(We’ll) keep it going and just not stop here and just get better and better.”
What’s cookin’
Defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia has given the Bruins a reason to smile with his production this season.
He’ll also place smiles on the Bruins’ faces with his Thanksgiving cooking later this week.
Ogbonnia has received rave reviews from coach Chip Kelly and Fernea regarding his cooking.
“He’s a heck of a cook from what everybody talks about,” Kelly said. “I think he takes everything really seriously and really wants to perfect it and it shows with his work ethic and attention to detail.”
Kelly hasn’t had a chance to sit down and have one of Ogbonnia’s meals but has eaten some of the desserts he’s brought in.
“He usually brings in snacks for the (athletic trainers),” Kelly said. “He’s smart because those are the ones who take care of him the most.”
With UCLA set to host Cal this week, the local area players will have the option to go home and spend time with their families and friends after an early morning practice on Thursday.
Ogbonnia, who lived in Texas before joining the Bruins, will serve as a host for several teammates who won’t have the opportunity to be with their families during the holiday.
Fernea, who also lived in Texas, was among the players to spend the holiday with Ogbonnia last year.
“He’s an unbelievable cook,” Fernea said. “Probably the best Thanksgiving meal I’ve ever had to be honest. … he goes the whole nine yards and overdoes it.”
Fernea declared Ogbonnia’s macaroni and cheese as “out of this world.”