The UCLA Bruins are getting off to a rough start to the Jim Mora era, as promising freshman tight end Raymond Nelson is off the team. Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Raymond Nelson, freshman tight end at UCLA, has been kicked off the team for an incident that occurred prior to the Bruins’ playing Illinois in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
Nelson was sent home the day before the game for violating team rules, according to according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak on the subject. Coach Jim Mora, hired last month, reviewed the situation before making his decision.
Nelson leaving UCLA could impact the depth of the Bruins. Cory Harkey graduates, leaving only Joseph Fauria and John Young ready at the tight end position. UCLA had a very weak offense in 2010, so the Bruins could use all the playmakers they can possibly put on the field to succeed.
That doesn't mean the Bruins will be totally hamstrung. But Nelson Rosario and Taylor Embree are also leaving UCLA as seniors; Derrick Coleman is also departing and UCLA will lose their starting center Kai Maiava in the process. Losing a guy like Nelson could be an issue that no one factors in before the season starts. Who knows at this point.
To discuss Nelson and UCLA football, head to Bruins Nation.