LOS ANGELES — Chip Kelly is bucking the antiquated notion that only the weak need water in football. The UCLA head coach has science on his side.
The famously research-obsessed coach has implemented a wide-reaching sports science program that includes everything from GPS monitors and extra nutrient-packed meals to designated hydration periods during practice. Approaching the end of their first spring campaign with the new system, the Bruins feel the extra attention to off-the-field details will prepare them for the long season to come.
“I feel like with this, we’re always going to have the advantage (in games),” running back Soso Jamabo said. “We’re always going to be one step ahead of the other team and just always in better shape.”
Within the first hour of each practice at Spaulding Field, the Bruins will stop between teach and team periods and grab mini-plastic water bottles from giant tubs. Players mix in electrolyte powder, turning the water into a pale shade of pink. Every player has to drink at least one 12-ounce bottle during the designated hydration period.
When the team went to San Bernardino for preseason training camp in August under Jim Mora, the staff allowed similar breaks, handing out electrolyte popsicles, but they’ve never paid such careful attention to hydration during spring practices, fifth-year senior Christian Pabico said. As a result, he’s noticed fewer teammates cramping up during practices.
“In high school, I kind of (paid attention to hydration) because I noticed I cramped up a lot, but being a young kid, I didn’t really understand it,” the Long Beach Poly alumnus said. “So now I think understanding it — knowing when to drink and what I should be drinking — I’ve prevented a lot of that.”
Players have raved about strength coach Frank Wintrich’s program that’s focused on conditioning to handle Kelly’s up-tempo offense. The strength staff also personalizes workouts based on players’ positions and prioritizes body composition over putting on weight just to tip the scales.
Kelly said he hired Wintrich, formerly the director of human performance and logistics at Virginia, for Wintrich’s track record with soft-tissue injuries. Kelly said Wintrich didn’t have a single soft-tissue injury in two years at Virginia and brought a “full package” to Westwood that improved speed, strength and conditioning. It’s already paying dividends for the Bruins.
“It’s night and day,” said Jamabo, who struggled with nagging back, knee and ankle injuries during the past two seasons. “Going with this tempo when I first showed up, it was kind of hard. But I feel like at this point it’s just second nature. I feel good going through practice; there’s never a time when I feel too winded. So I definitely feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since I’ve been here.”
Quick hits
Linebacker Brandon Burton was in a yellow non-contact jersey during Thursday’s practice with an undisclosed injury. … Linebacker Je’Vari Anderson was not present on the field during the first 30 minutes of practice, which were open to the media. … Offensive lineman Boss Tagaloa had a cast on his left wrist during practice.