The Calm Before the Storm

We're one month away from the start of the 2007 season and less a week before the start of training camp. It's that quiet time right after summer workouts and 7-on-7's end and the players start two-a-days in the fall camp. It is an exciting time for college football fans and, just like Christmas Eve, we're all itching with anticipation to see what awaits us in the coming weeks.

Here are some reports, from the illustrious DeaconBlue (aka DejaBlue), on UCLA's informal 7-on7 drills that were conducted in July. These are typically against community colleges but sometimes out boys would play themselves.

July 24 - UCLA 11 on 11 game against themselves.
July 19 - UCLA 7 on 7 against Compton Community College
July 17 - UCLA 7 on 7 against themselves.
July 12 - UCLA 7 on 7 against Azuza Pacific.

The games are informally organized and no coaches are present. It gives the players a chance to run through the play book a bit (which is crucial with the new Norvell offense this season) and also stretch some legs and work on timing and such. It also gives some of the new freshman a chance to get their feet wet before the fall camp. It is hard to read too much into the drills as they are not the same as game-time conditions (no pass rush, run option) but it can give you a sense of how sharp the players are going into training camp.

Rick Kimbrel, of Bruin Blitz, had this assessment of some of the summer practices. By all accounts this team is eager to get some pads on and start laying some hits on somebody. With a ton of seniors in the lineup, there also seems to be a sense of urgency with this year's team. They know the pressure is on to achieve and they have no doubts that they can deliver.

Speaking of the fall camp, it starts next Monday. Here is the complete schedule:

• Monday, August 6 - 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 7 - 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 8 - 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, August 9 - 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 10 - 9:45-Noon (First day of full pads)
• Saturday, August 11 - 9:15-11:30 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, August 12 - 9:15-11:30 a.m.
• Monday, August 13 - 9:00-11:15 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 14 - 9:00 -11:15 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 15 - 9:15-11:30 a.m. and 7:30-9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, August 16 - 9:45-Noon
• Friday, August 17 - 9:15-11:30 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, August 18 - 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Scrimmage at Drake Stadium)

I'm hoping to get out there for a few of these, just to get some first-hand observations of this year's team. I'll definitely relay my experience back on the blog. Exciting times!