Mike Martinez, UCLA’s most skilled and finest blocking tight finish, is not with this system.
Bruins coach Chip Kelly confirmed Martinez’s departure Tuesday as his staff entered the second half of preseason coaching camp however didn't specify a purpose for the exit. Martinez had not participated in observe for the reason that spring, when he returned from the leg harm that had sidelined him for a lot of the 2021 season.
Martinez appeared to stay barely hobbled by the harm when he final appeared on the observe subject, transferring considerably awkwardly. However his worth to the staff transcended his modest statistics. In three seasons, the 6-foot-7, 266-pound Martinez caught six passes for 70 yards with one landing whereas rising as the highest blocker among the many tight ends.
“You’ve acquired to compensate,” Kelly mentioned. “We be ok with our tight finish room — they’re working extraordinarily onerous and I feel it’s a very, actually good group. … It might be our deepest place on each side of the ball.”
Redshirt senior Michael Ezeike, a transformed receiver, and redshirt juniors Hudson Habermehl, David Priebe and Michael Churich have been joined by true freshmen Carsen Ryan and Jack Pedersen as a part of a good finish group that figures to be closely utilized. Kelly mentioned he envisioned utilizing some formations with 4 tight ends.
Ezeike is the one returning tight finish who has caught a cross; he tallied three receptions for 45 yards and one landing final season.
And many others.
Kicker Nicholas Barr-Mira, who had missed the earlier two observe classes with an obvious harm, returned and kicked subject targets in the course of the portion of observe open to reporters. ... Kelly mentioned redshirt senior linebacker Shea Pitts and Habermehl obtained scholarships within the spring. … Kelly mentioned offensive lineman Patrick Selna and linebacker Damian Sellers remained a part of this system although they haven't participated in fall camp and are not listed on the roster. … Receiver Kazmeir Allen, on his expectations for the season: “Our entire mindset is Rose Bowl or bust, so we’ve acquired to get there.”
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