PASADENA, Calif. – As Brett Hundley stepped away from the media scrum following the UCLA Spring Game on Saturday night, he had a pressing issue: “Where’s my helmet?” he wondered out loud.
Hundley was just seconds away from being mobbed by hundreds of UCLA fans all wanting the redshirt sophomore’s autograph. It wasn’t a hindrance. Hundley’s a humble guy and doesn’t mind the interaction with the fans, but the issue of the location of his helmet was of the utmost importance.
Not only is the piece of equipment essential to his survival on the football field, it was also essential to his improvement as a quarterback from a mental standpoint.
Hundley, in front of an announced 20,000 UCLA fans, took the field with a GoPro camera attached to his helmet recording every cadence, read, and progression the quarterback made during his time on the field
He had to get that helmet back.
He needed to be able to watch that film.
Of course, the flim was going to show his two touchdown passes at the Rose Bowl, one coming on a swing pass to tailback Paul Perkins that went 25 yards. The other was an absolute laser to Devin Fuller on a post for a 26-yard score.
It would show all 23 of his attempts, including the 16 Hundley completed. However, he’d also get to watch the three sacks and the four drives he led in which the Bruins went three-and-out -- something he’s adamant about correcting.
“We’re not punting,” Hundley said. “I told coach I do not want to punt.”
The GoPro study is something Hundley utilized during Holiday Bowl preparations last season and he picked it back up during the final two weeks of spring practice. It’s rather unconventional in terms of being used to break down film.
Coaches often refer to “the eye in the sky,” a video camera high above the action that shows all 22 players on the field. The GoPro isn’t that -- the video takes you for a ride with even the slightest of movements, yet Hundley loves the insight he gets from it.
“It’s a different angle I get to see,” he said. “It’s just fun to get out there and just play this game and see it from my perspective.
“I’m a film junkie. I got to watch film.”
You can chalk this up to the evolution of Hundley -- he’s growing and he’s learning.
Hundley walked onto the UCLA campus uneasy about “the savior” label that had been placed on him. Two springs later, he’s now the unquestioned leader of the UCLA football team, after leading the them to an unexpected Pac-12 South championship and nine wins in 2012 in his first year as a starter.
Thanks to ALL the Bruins Fans for coming out to support your team tonight. We appreciate you all!!! #BruinRevolution twitter.com/UCLACoachMora/…
— Jim Mora (@UCLACoachMora) April 28, 2013
Unlike springs in the past, he doesn’t have to battle for a place on the field. The starting quarterback position is all his.
In order to continue his improvement, he’ll use all the steps necessary to get better, including unorthodox film study.
“You see the game through his eyes (on the GoPro),” said UCLA head coach Jim Mora. “I know if it helps him then it helps us.”
Added offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone: “I watch it but it goes too fast for me. I’m old.”
As for Hundley’s helmet, it was in good hands. A UCLA official gave it to Hundley's father.
Let the film study begin.
