New UCLA football coach Bob Chesney made it clear at his introductory press conference Tuesday that he intends to recruit high school football coaches in Southern California with clinics, open practices and finding a way to say yes to applications.
He admitted that he is dealing with all of his coaching experience being largely from the East Coast, but he is committed to having people with West Coast ties on his team.
His first challenge will be trying to get players on the UCLA team. Even rookie linebacker Scott Taylor, selected to represent the players in Tuesday’s media interviews, declined to confirm whether he will return next season.
As for early impressions, Bellflower High coach Keith Miller, whose freshman son Austin could be a national team recruit as a tight end, said, “I think winners know what it looks like, what it sounds like. When it walks like a duck, it sounds like a duck, it’s a duck. This guy is the real deal. His attitude is very impressive. You can tell he’s a determined, but young coach.”
Coach St. John Bosco Jason Negro said, “I’m excited to see that UCLA has a clear vision moving forward and intends to be a contender in the near future. From the head coach to the Chancellor’s comments, it seems like they know what they want and have a plan to get there.”
Chesney has a fifth-grade son who plays football, taller than some sixth-graders. He has a future recruit in his family.
This is a daily look at positive events in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
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