Chip Kelly explains adding multiple quarterbacks in 2024 class

It never hurts to have a backup, or two. UCLA has a pair of incoming quarterbacks in its 2024 signing class. On Wednesday, Bruins head coach Chip Kelly explained the reasoning behind his decision to stock up his QB room.

“I don’t think you can have enough quarterbacks and we had to play three this season — actually, four this season,” Kelly said. “That’s kind of rare, but it’s a special position. If we feel like we see a kid that’s a quality football player and a quality person and fits what we’re looking for at the quarterback position, then we’re going to recruit them.”

UCLA indeed played four quarterbacks this season. Three of the QBs started games. Dante Moore and Ethan Garbers both tallied over 1,000 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in the 2023 campaign. Backup Collin Schlee started in UCLA’s bowl win over Boise State because Garbers was ill.

However, after Schlee suffered an injury in the third quarter, Garbers was left with no choice but to play. Moore had already entered the transfer portal. If UCLA didn’t have a third option, its season would have ended in disaster. Instead, the Bruins picked up their third season in a row with eight or more wins.

Now, three-star prospects Henry Hasselbeck and Karson Gordon will replenish UCLA’s quarterback unit. Hasselbeck is the No. 76 QB in the class while Gordon trails just behind at No. 84. While neither are five-star talents, they provide Kelly with peace of mind.

“It’s probably the one position — if you look at the amount of transfers, it’s how many kids transfer at that position because only one kid plays,” Kelly said. “You never want to be caught short-handed in the scramble and looking for a kid in June, when you pass on a good kid up in December.”

Ethan Garbers has next at UCLA

Kelly already has a promising quarterback locked up for next fall. After UCLA’s win in the LA Bowl, Garbers announced he will be returning next season.

 In the victory, Garbers completed 9-of-his-12 pass attempts for 152 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Garbers’ arm wasn’t his only threat. The California native tallied 38 yards on a mere three carries, as well.

Under Garbers’ leadership, the Bruins outscored Boise State 28-6 in the second half. Kelly couldn’t be proud of Garbers’ resilience.

“I asked him; he didn’t feel great in warm-ups. He said he felt good to be a backup,” Kelly said. “Then, when Schlee went down on that long run, I asked him are you good to go? And he said, ‘I’m good to go, Coach.’ He was a tremendous jump start for us. He’s a special kid, and I’m really proud of him.”