LOS ANGELES — When UCLA tight end Hudson Habermehl went down with an apparent injury during an 11-on-11 team drill in the final period of practice on Saturday, it affected the entire team.
The practice facility fell silent as Habermehl held his left leg and screamed – although it’s unclear whether that was due to pain or frustration. Players knelt and visiting spectators and recruits ceased speaking and turned their attention to the tight end that had received so many repetitions in practice this spring.
“Hudson went down today,” head coach DeShaun Foster told reporters after practice. “Obviously a knee injury. We’ll get more information once we run a few tests.”
Foster appeared emotionally affected by witnessing Habermehl’s injury. He walked slowly to the portion of the field reserved for media availability and had to turn away to collect himself before speaking with reporters.
“Injuries bother me,” he said. “To see guys go down, its unfortunate. I’m just down. I’ve been a player, so I know how that feels, truly, to have worked so hard for something and the opportunity is just taken away.”
The first-year head coach has worked hard since his hiring in February to become one with the UCLA community, whether it was showing up to support other sports teams at their games or continuously encouraging recruits and fans to come and watch spring practices.
Emotional sharing is a uniquely human trait, but not one that’s always apparent in the sport of football. Foster’s willingness to openly express empathy Saturday afternoon showed a connection with the team that players appreciate.
“He wants what’s best for us. He loves us,” tight end Moliki Matavao told reporters. “From when I got here last year, even he was just the running backs coach, he cared about me even though he wasn’t in my room.
“Now, he’s coaching the whole team and he cares about each one of us. And it’s good to see that someone really genuinely cares about you.”
Defining competitive drive
Saturday is competition day for UCLA’s spring practices and on the afternoon of April 13, that meant coaches fielding punts. Special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach Kodi Whitfield successfully caught two punts and ran down the sideline with the entire defense after both catches.
“I just want a competitive atmosphere with coaches and players,” Foster said. “You’re always on the players, so let’s get the coaches in there too. That’s how you build true camaraderie.”
There was also competition between the players at the beginning of practice in the form of a pass rush drill that had two players going up against each other with offensive and defensive linemen on the field, too.
Players don’t know which one of them will be involved in the competitions until the team meeting just before practice. But Foster said competitive drive goes deeper than what’s seen on the field.
Foster said when he coached the running backs, he expected his players to be the first group in the building ahead of practices – a silent competition he had with other position groups.
“They should compete out here. They like this,” Foster said. “But it’s the little things. If you’re living a life of competition, it’s easy once you get out here on the field.”
Foster said the entire tight end room, defensive back Joshua Swift, receiver Rico Flores, offensive lineman Josh Carlin and linebackers Oluwafemi Oladejo and Kain Medrano stand out to him as players who are living competitively.
Injury update
Linebacker Donavyn Pellot did not participate in practice after suffering an apparent injury Thursday. Pellot was wearing basketball shorts and his jersey on the sideline Saturday and was wearing a full leg sleeve on his right leg.
Defensive back Ramon Henderson was dressed for practice, but was not wearing a helmet and was not seen participating in 11-on-11 team drills.
Receiver J.Michael Sturdivant was seen doing individual work during practice and Foster said they’re taking precautions with him because he’s been “running hot” since last Saturday.
Linebacker Ale Kaho was also seen in full uniform doing individual work, which included sprints. Foster said he expects Kaho to be a full participant next week.