UCLA's Foster Looks to Build Unity in Fall Training Camp

The UCLA Bruins began their fall training camp Wednesday afternoon in Costa Mesa. The Bruins will be in Costa Mesa until Aug. 16 when they return to the Wasserman Football Center, which is undergoing renovations.

At the beginning of his press conference, Foster welcomed everyone to Orange County. The Bruins were practicing in the same area where Foster played high school football at Tustin High School.

"Welcome to camp. In Orange County. In Costa Mesa," Foster said. "I'm an Orange County guy. So it feels good to be back home. But just looking forward to a good camp.

"Guys are getting excited. They worked really hard during the winter, spring, and summer. Just looking forward to finally getting on the field and practice."

DeShaun Foster, UCLA Bruin — Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster greets his players after a Bruins touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the third quarter at Rose Bowl. | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Foster wants the team to be able to bond while they are away from campus. This is the time they should be getting together and learning about one another. UCLA has 55 new players on the football roster this fall.

"There's a lot of new coaches and players. I just wanted to find a way to make us be able to connect," Foster said. "Eat three meals with each other. Just be connected."

The most dramatic change is at quarterback. Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava returned home to Southern California to play what could be his final year in college. To assist Iamaleava the Bruins also hired a new offensive coordinator. Tino Sunseri who was a co-offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Indiana replaces former coordinator Eric Bienemy.

Foster said even though Iamaleava got to campus late, he has not had a problem picking up the offense. He has a good grasp of the playbook.

"He's picked up a lot of the offense," Foster said. "They were able to get a crash course. ...He's been doing very well doing some of the player run stuff and a couple of the practices that we were able to do."

Jack Pedersen, UCLA Bruin — Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Jack Pedersen (28) tries to leap over Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Justin Walley (5) during the first quarter at the Rose Bowl. | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Tight end Jack Pedersen also spoke with the media and said the Bruins new offense was going to be "elusive".

"I'm not gonna give up too much scheme. But we got a lot of playmakers on this offense and I think we're gonna surprise people this year and make a splash in the Big Ten," Pedersen said. "That all starts now. That all start's here. That's why we're down here, getting us off campus. No distractions being with the team, building a brotherhood."

Pedersen is also a big fan of Iamaleava. The two worked together a bit in the spring and got to know one another.

"I can't say enough good things about Nico as well," Pedersen said. "Super talented guy. Southern California guy as well. Been able to get to know him a little bit more and he's again another guy can't say enough good things about."

Pedersen said he caught a few passes from Iamaleava. He added that he looked great.

Nico Ialameava, UCLA Bruin — Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws during the second half of the College Football Playoff first round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 22, 2024. Ohio State won 42-17. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"UCLA drives competition. UCLA brings a special type of person in so I mean he's great," Pedersen said. "He's gonna be able to lead this offense and take us places we need to go."

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