UCLA Pro Day a boon for draft prospects
WESTWOOD, Calif. - The UCLA Bruins kicked off their football pro day on March 15, offering NFL scouts another glimpse at potential draft picks. UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster said, “We are getting so close to where dreams could edge closer to reality.” With the draft set from April 25–27 at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan, anticipation ran high as players wanted to prove themselves in the most effective ways possible.
Edge rusher Laiatu Latu at the UCLA Pro Day on March 15, 2024. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline The draft can shape an athlete's professional destiny. UCLA star defensive lineman Laiatu Latu's career path seems to be on an upward trajectory. Following a medical retirement due to a neck injury sustained at Washington, Latu's unlikely resurgence could position him as UCLA's potential first-round draft pick since 2018. Transitioning from being told he'd never play again to receiving much support within the NFL, truly made him feel that this moment was “life-altering” “Being around those top-rated guys at the NFL combine truly made me feel so special,” Latu said. "From someone that I idolize, Maxx Crosby to hit me up and support me, it honestly felt surreal as hell.” On the majority of draft boards, Latu is set to be drafted in the first round, and even with all of this pressure, Latu said he is locked in on making his goals a reality. “My family has been super supportive, and my agent has always been for me when I need him,” Latu said. “Any team that is looking at me will get someone dedicated, loyal, and a guy who will put the pressure on the QB in whatever way possible.” Latu joins a stacked roster of standout athletes at the pro day, including defensive backs Alex Johnson and Kenny Churchwell III, running back Carson Steele, and defensive linemen Gabriel Murphy and Grayson Murphy. Johnson and Churchwell III had eye-catching performances, going nearly perfect on DB position-based drills and showcasing their versatility with each cut and movement within their stride.
Running back Carson Steele goes through some agility drills during the UCLA Pro Day on March 15, 2024. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline Johnson commented that he wanted to show the team his “futility” with each play on the field. Johnson not only thanked his teammates but also echoed how much the UCLA Bruins have helped during this stressful and lengthy process. “Guys like Latu, Churchwell, and even head coach Foster, they all have been great team leaders in this process,” Johnson said. “I feel that I have made a big transition with taking my workout routine seriously and I have a meeting with the niner after this so I hope things will turn out great for all the work I know I've been putting in. After the pro day, head coach Foster believes both DLs Gabriel Murphy and Grayson Murphy will have great careers due to how much spirit and heart they play with. “These guys had amazing NFL Combine results, and they truly will make an impact on any team that selects them,” Foster said. “I feel that they had a good chance to also showcase some of the skills they want to highlight such as their strength, physicality, and their instincts when it comes to having to be smart in clutch plays down the stretch of the game.” Steele was also looking to grab everyone's attention at the pro day, as he practiced for nearly 20 minutes straight doing high-impact and energetic drills. Steele mentioned after the pro day that “even with the hot sun glaring down on me, I had to show you guys why I deserve a shot at someone I love so much.”
UCLA head football coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media shortly after the UCLA Pro Day on March 15, 2024. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline Many draft boards have Steele as a late-round pick, but head coach Foster believes he is underrated. “His agility, strength, and post-catch aggression are absolutely perfect,” said Foster. “Me, previously a scout, this would be someone I would want to have my eyes on if my team needed a solid running back who would get the job done with ease." The Bruins have cultivated several top draft prospects, and only time will reveal where these athletes will land in the 2024 draft. "These guys have worked so hard, and I know I was put on this earth to help players get better, so I hope I make you Bruins proud for our future as a football program," said Foster. Read the full article