Eric Yarber, UCLA’s receivers coach, likes the studious types. His preference is reflected in the catchphrase he’s devised to help his pupils.
“You have to be nerdy to catch the football,” Yarber said. “It’s gritty, it’s grimy, it’s want-to, it’s the nerd.”
Being a nerd, according to Yarber, entails watching a pass until it’s securely tucked against the body instead of trying to look cool by taking one’s eye off the ball and turning upfield to run.
The Bruins haven’t exactly geeked out in their first two games.
UCLA Coach Jim Mora said he counted four dropped passes last week against Nevada Las Vegas.