LOS ANGELES — Riley Robell wanted to follow James Madison’s coaching staff to UCLA, but the offers from other schools courting him in the transfer portal were enticing, his brother Owen described to the Southern California News Group.
Then Colin Hitschler’s name popped up on his phone.
“We really want you,” UCLA’s new defensive coordinator told Robell, according to Owen. “We think that you’d make a difference.”
Robell’s identification of the defense’s plan and his leadership of the offensive line convinced Hitschler, within one season of coaching against Robell at the Dukes’ practices, that he would be invaluable to transitioning JMU’s culture to UCLA. Following their call, Robell visited Hitschler and UCLA’s staff and, Owen said, committed the first night at dinner.
Hitschler’s evaluation was spot on. Robell instantly became the man everyone looks to in UCLA’s offensive line room. Right tackle Hall Schmidt described Robell as “a commander.” Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy explained how bringing along Robell and Carter Sweazie, another JMU transfer at guard, allowed UCLA to get into “high-level stuff early into camp.”
But for the past few weeks, Robell has had to lead from the sideline as he’s managing a knee injury. Arizona State transfer Sean Na’a and Harvard transfer Derek Osman have filled in at center with returner Sam Yoon also unavailable.
It wouldn’t take too long for Robell to get up to speed. He played 13 games as the center in Dean Kennedy’s offense last season, so UCLA can be calculated with his recovery. But it’s important Robell builds chemistry with quarterback Nico Iamaleava. There are only nine days left for that as UCLA opens its season Sept. 5 at Cal.
The Bruins have the luxury to take a cautious approach with Robell, but it’s nearing the time when his availability could be a concern.
The injury, however, hasn’t impacted Robell’s leadership. At Monday’s practice, UCLA’s defense was “really loud” whenever they “won” a period, tight end Josh Phifer said, whereas the offense was “quieter.” Robell called the offense out and, over the last few practices, “the offense’s come alive.”
“It is hard when you’re not in to be a leader out there because I think part of being a leader at practice is being able to go in and lead by example,” Phifer said following Thursday’s practice. “Riley’s done a good job. … In the meeting rooms, he’s just really good at just saying something when our offense is down.”
“I think he leads vocally,” Sweazie said on Aug. 19.
“I’m really excited for our double-teams this year,” he added. “I think we can really move a lot of people off the ball. And it’s great playing next to someone who you know is giving 110%.”
For now, though, Sweazie’s double-team partner could be Na’a or Osman. Both have three years of college football under their belt, but little experience at center. Defensive tackle Tyson Ford, though, has been impressed going up against them at practice.
“They’re both great,” Ford said of Na’a and Osman on Thursday. “We make each other better every day.”
Ford has seen their ability to pick up blitzes and communicate it across the offensive line continue to grow.
But Robell brings continuity with the staff and experience playing center in Kennedy’s offense. He conducts with his voice, but has always been someone who leads by example.
“When he’s healthy, he goes in, he plays (hard),” Phifer said Thursday of Robell. “He’s an explosive player, and I think in that way he’s a good leader.”
The stability Robell provides is crucial for UCLA’s trip to Berkeley. UCLA might not have him back with ample time to ensure he’s as in sync with Iamaleava as the Bruins would like, but his return would certainly provide added confidence.