WATCH: CB Rodrick Pleasant reflects on move to UCLA
Rodrick Pleasant is one of the new faces at UCLA this fall. The Oregon transfer isn’t new to Los Angeles, however. The speedy cornerback played at Gardena-Serra before signing with Oregon to play football and run track.
He made quick work of his adjustment to his new surroundings in Westwood and started for the Bruins Saturday night. Pleasant had a pair of tackles and a pass breakup in his UCLA debut at the Rose Bowl.
His move back home coincided with a number of changes on the staff and roster. It didn’t take long for Pleasant to find his footing, and he reflected on his journey Wednesday.
“Being back home, being able to play at home,” he said about what prompted his transfer decision. “Obviously, playing with a bunch of my friends that are on this team, it’s like a dream come true. So, being back home and playing at UCLA is amazing. That’s really the reason why I came back home.”
Pleasant and quarterback Nico Iamaleava played on the same club 7-on-7 team in high school. The UCLA cornerback said the duo had conversations about playing together this offseason.
Ultimately, they found their way to Westwood, and both are hoping to reignite the Bruins in Year 2 under DeShaun Foster.
Pleasant was running track with the Ducks until late in the spring. Still, he hit the ground running when he arrived at UCLA. He credits the support from around him with helping the transition move along.
“I just put a lot of time and effort into it,” he said. “Great coaching. A lot of great people. Hands in. They were willing to help when I asked, and that was probably the biggest thing. Diving in head first and getting here in the summer. Taking it all in and trying to be the best I could for camp.”
Pleasant discussed the first game, the battle for the fastest Bruin and more in his media session Wednesday. Watch it all below:
Rodrick Pleasant post-practice media session
Video recorded by BruinBlitz staff writer Tracy McDannald.
