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It started as the same unremarkable sequence that materializes dozens of times a season on UCLA’s football practice field, a coach lingering to speak with reporters and engage in the usual give and take.
Questions were asked about simplifying the defense and putting more pressure on the quarterback. Answers were given about accountability, attention to detail and putting the right defenders in position to make plays.
Then the coach started blinking tears, his voice catching, his words a chore. Everything routine about the exchange transformed into something else entirely.
“You know, I love this defense because I feel like part of them,” defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe began Tuesday, still holding it together. “They work so hard to try to give me what I want, you know, and so, on the flip side just, man, I can’t — I mean, I’ve been up since 3 o’clock on Sunday because I just don’t want to let down this team.
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“These kids fight hard, man,” Malloe continued, now struggling to keep his composure, “and so I think the love for each other, that’s what keeps us going. But fundamentally, technically, that’s my job. I just got to get these kids better so we can win.”
And with that, Malloe bid farewell and headed back inside the practice facility to continue his efforts to revitalize a defense that’s been a bunch of blah since a talented cast of edge rushers departed for the NFL and the man in charge headed across town to USC.
The scene revealed the passion and commitment that made a handful of players champion Malloe as Chip Kelly’s replacement when the Bruins coach bolted for Ohio State in February. Malloe (pronounced mull-OY) happily remained in his new role as defensive coordinator once UCLA pivoted to DeShaun…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/just-dont-want-let-down-150624741.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-10-02 15:06:24
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