WATCH: UCLA RG Julian Armella discusses state of offensive line
COSTA MESA, Calif. — UCLA offensive line coach Andy Kwon has set a high bar for his group as it chases perfection. Right guard Julian Armella knows it’s not necessarily realistic and attainable, but the standard is one the group is embracing.
“We’re going to get pretty darn close,” Armella said Saturday after the Bruins wrapped up the off-site portion of fall camp.
The standard has created a healthy dose of competition within the unit.
Since late in the spring, center Oluwafunto Akinshilo has been challenging Sam Yoon for the starting job.
Armella said the center position is like the CEO of the offense.
“You have to sit there, command, give out ID points,” Armell said. “Tell the whole offensive line, as well as tight ends and running backs, ‘OK, this is the protection, X, Y and Z.’ So to be able to sit there and have that pressure, I think Funto does a great job of embracing it and being, like, ‘You know what? I’m the CEO. I’m going to make sure everybody is in their position, their spot, where they need to be.’”
Armella also touched on where the cohesion of the offensive line is two weeks away from the season opener, the leadership of Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and more.
Watch the full press conference below:
