During his Monday press conference, head coach DeShaun Foster, in his first year with the Bruins, summarized the events of Week 1 of training camp, provided updates on player injuries, talked about the talented receiving group, and addressed the condition of the offensive line.
Week 1 was fantastic! I’m really pleased with my players and the energy they bring every day—they’re doing an excellent job. The team is developing great chemistry. Yesterday in Woodland Hills, we had a bowling event, and the guys were really enthusiastic. I love the camaraderie we’re seeing. Fortunately, there are no new injuries. Now, I’ll open it up for questions.
Q: How did you perform in the bowling event?
DF: I didn’t actually bowl because of a sore elbow, so I avoided it, but I attended the BRO event. Was it the 25th anniversary celebration?
DF: Tracy did an excellent job with that, and I want to congratulate them!
Q: How was the food and restaurant run by Tracy?
DF: I didn’t get a chance to eat since I was busy talking, but everything looked really good.
Q: Was the venue nice?
DF: Yes, it was a very nice venue.
Q: We spoke to Bieniemy about the number of quarterbacks on the roster, particularly the new additions who weren’t originally committed. What was the thought process behind bringing in D. Davis and others?
DF: We wanted to add depth to the roster. Our goal was to provide more opportunities for everyone to play. We brought in four new players from spring, mainly to increase the competition and have more arms available. That was the main idea.
Q: How close is Jalen Berger to joining the team? How well-regarded is he?
DF: I think he’ll be ready in about a week and a half. I don’t want to give specific dates because that might pressure him. He’s doing great and is quite strong, and I really want him to come back fully prepared—not just getting in shape during practice.
Q: Do you expect Smith and Murrell to return at some point this season?
DF: That’s still uncertain. DeShun just had another surgery to remove some scar tissue, but aside from that, he’s been making good progress… (muffled)
Q: So it’s still to be announced?
DF: Yes, still TBA.
Q: What are your thoughts on Jaylin Davies and his development?
DF: He’s performing well at corner and is stepping up to lead the younger players. That’s exactly what you want when you have veterans around. Devin Kirkwood is doing the same, so I’m excited to see how that group develops throughout training camp.
Q: Luke Schuermann is looking to make a big jump from D-III to the Big Ten. What are your thoughts on him? Have you seen anyone make that transition before?
DF: I’m pretty sure we’ve had guys who were walk-ons and could start from D-III, so it’s not too surprising. He’s very consistent, showing up the same way every day, which is a great quality. I’m eager to see what he’ll accomplish this season.
Q: Have you seen any signs of what he can do?
DF: Yes, he practices hard. It’s all in practice right now, so I’m eager to see how he performs in actual games. Everything he’s shown at the D-III level, he has the potential to replicate here.
Q: Is it easy to cheer for a guy like that trying to make it happen?
DF: Absolutely, it really is.
Q: How would you assess the depth in the receiving corps? You have veterans like Logan and J-Mike, plus some new additions and Titus coming back.
DF: That’s probably our deepest position. We have a lot of experienced guys who’ve played, and bringing back Titus is a big plus. With Rico joining us from another school, we’re looking at about five or six solid players: Kwazi, Carter Shaw, Braden Pegan, and Ezavier Staples. I just want to see them continue to grow, learn, and master the whole offense.
Q: Is anyone standing out in particular?
DF: Honestly, I’d say the whole room. I don’t want to leave anyone out and risk upsetting them.
Q: You brought in two new offensive linemen to start, and Josh Carlin is playing center. Have you seen progress there?
DF: The progress they made during spring was impressive, and they’ve continued to do well in the first week of fall camp. I’m really excited about them. Carlin is a smart kid who played center in high school, and I think he has the potential to play at the next level. With Reuben coming in for left tackle and the right guard spot still open, there’s healthy competition, and they maintain a good camaraderie. We’re building a positive culture, and it’s great to see.
Q: Cam Jones wasn’t around in the spring, but you’re familiar with him. What do you like about his game?
DF: He’s picking up the offense quickly, which can be tough coming out of high school into a pro-style system. He’s making plays and catching passes out of the backfield. Once Berger returns, that group will be really strong, and I’m excited about it.
Q: Cameron Jones wasn’t with the team in the spring, but you recruited him and know him well. What have you observed fom him so far?
DF: He’s doing a great job picking up the offense and demonstrating his ability to run. Transitioning to college is a big step, especially adjusting to a pro-style offense after high school. It’s impressive to see him making plays, catching passes out of the backfield, and running the ball. Once Berger returns, that position group will be quite deep, and I’m excited about it.
Q: How is Berger doing as he comes back from his season-ending leg injury at Michigan State? Is he close to 100%?
DF: Injuries aren’t the issue; it’s more about getting him back into game shape. He can run and is conditioning well, plus he’s strong in lifting. We’re just taking it day by day to ensure he can perform at our desired tempo when he puts the pads on, but he’s making good progress.
Q: Special teams have been inconsistent in recent years. What’s your take on all the turnover there?
DF: The players are doing well. We’re fostering a competitive environment, which brings out the best in everyone. As long as they’re competing and I’m putting them in various situations during practice, I believe we’ll get the most out of them. I’m excited to see how it unfolds, especially with so many specialists vying for spots.
Q: Although you can’t watch the entire practice, are you still incorporating competitive periods?
DF: That was more of a focus in the spring. Right now, we’re concentrating on competition during 1-on-1 drills.
Q: What are your thoughts on the leadership and progress of Kain Medrano and Femi Oladejo?
DF: Both have a lot of experience with us. Femi will need to step into Darius’ role, especially after he got drafted into the NFL, but having played alongside Darius last year will help him. Kain is taking on the same role as last season. They have big shoes to fill, but I’m confident they can handle it.
Q: With the new conference and opponents, did you have to adjust your schedule to familiarize yourself with these rosters?
DF: A bit, yes. It’s more about getting to know the coaches and their schemes, especially with a few first-time defensive coordinators. So, it’s primarily that.
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