Roxas talks about UCLA Junior Day

UCLA had their Junior Day over the weekend and one of the players in attendance was Orange Lutheran (Calif.) fullback Pat Roxas. Roxas, 6-0, 240 pounds was also at USC's Junior Day a few weeks back and his father Ramon sent us his thoughts on how things went. Rather than rewrite them, we just decided (with his permission) to leave it as is so here's a look.

"It was a contrasting day at UCLA's Junior Day," Roxas said. "Whereas the USC Junior Day was sunny and hot, it was drizzly and chilly in Westwood. But, the Bruins did not disappoint with their full contact scrimmage. The defense looked big and fast led by Junior Lemau'u. The DBs and LBs were quick to the ball and broke up a lot of passes. We saw a lot of gang-tackling towards the ball and didn't give the offense a slack. The offense led by QB Olson was in Coach KD's words "better than they were last year at this time".

"Their JC recruits are seeing a lot of action, especially the linemen who are replacing the majority of last year's starters. The OL was big and still getting used to each other. QB JC recruit (David) Koral is as big as Olson and beginning to get used to the Bruin's version of the West Coast offense. Running back Mo Drew wowed the crowd as he broke tackles in his run and a 50 yard return for a TD. It was hard to tell if he was down with that 5-8, 200 pound frame and low center of gravity.

"The day started early @ 9am with watching the Bruins in their practice until 11:30am. After a brief welcome by KD (Karl Dorrell), the parents and prospects were sent off to the weight room for a short speech by the strength and conditioning coach. Then it was off for lunch with the coaches and some of the players.

"This was followed by speeches by KD on the purpose of this day and UCLA's future football strategies and Coach Kezerian, who talked about the academic side of the athletes. The assistant coaches were introduced especially the new ones that have joined the organization. The parents and prospects were broken up with the prospects going with their position coaches and the parents with KD for Q & A's.

"The day concluded with a campus tour and some of the perks that the athletes receive: free tickets to home basketball games, concerts and events. Free food in any eating places in the campus, etc. The prospects also get free tickets for 3 home games.

"I would say that the atmosphere in the football organization is one of seriousness and intensity about their purpose, their plans and to bring back their organization to their past level. KD said "he plans to be there for a long time" and all their actions are geared towards building to that goal.

"Everyone works hard on the field and the coaches are monitoring every play and movements by the players. It would be great to see how all these efforts come to life when the season comes. UCLA has one of the most beautiful campuses around and it's no wonder why 45,000 applicants came to their door last year and most had to be turned away. The football athletes are lucky because they have a short cut to this application process and should take every advantage to what's available to them. What a great place to be.

"A lot of those in the USC Junior Day were also at the UCLA Day. Those that I saw or heard, were:

Cortez Rice - Los Alamitos RB

Kevin Meagher - Servite OL

James Brunt - Mater Dei FB and 2 others from MD

George Hypolite - Loyola FB/LB and also 2 linemen

Pat Roxas - Orange Lutheran FB

Gavin Ketchum - Oak Park WR

Luke Laolagi - Birmingham LB

Chris Turner - Chaminade HS

Brandis Dew - Hemet QB

Xavier Hicks - Fullerton DB

Mark Sanchez - Mission Viejo QB

Nick Reed - Mission Viejo DE

Chase Moline - Mission Viejo OL

Kevin Bemoll - Mission Viejo OL

Kyle Reed - McClymonds

"Pat can't go wrong if either school (USC/UCLA) takes him in. They are both great organizations. We're hoping and praying that one or both are interested enough to take him in. Coach Kerr said the he will be at Orange Lu in May to observe Pat in practice and watch a couple of his games to continue their evaluation."