UCLA OL coach criticizes players for poor performance vs. Virginia
UCLA offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said Tuesday that his unit's performance against Virginia last Saturday was "one of the sh---iest I've been a part of as a player or coach."
The Bruins allowed five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and multiple other pressures and averaged just three yards per carry. UCLA's offense had just one touchdown in its 28-20 win. Virginia ranked No. 66 in the country last season in total defense.
More from Klemm, from the Los Angeles Times:
“There’s no excuses; we just need to get better. It doesn’t matter who is in there or what our situation is. The fact of that matter is that everybody here is on scholarship. They are getting paid to play, and when their time comes and their name is called, they have to perform at a certain level.”
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UCLA lost just one player, guard Xavier Su'a-Filo, off last season's offensive line, though starting center Jake Brendel missed the opener with a knee injury. Returning guard Scott Quessenberry filled in at center, and true freshman Najee Toran started at right guard.
“That’s the easy way out, to put it on Jake, but the fact of the matter is things happen, as we’ve seen over the last three seasons. Guys come in and out,” Klemm said. “Things happen, unfortunately at times, but guys have to be prepared when the opportunity comes. It’s my job to prep them, and sometimes you may think a guy is ready for some things that maybe he’s not.”
Klemm, 37, has been UCLA's offensive line coach since 2011. He played six seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers.
The Bruins' next game is against Memphis on Saturday.
- Ben Estes
