UCLA football: Jake Brendel has taken on more responsibility

UCLA has been without offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, who was suspended last month while an investigation into alleged NCAA violations lurches along.

That doesn’t mean the Bruins have been without his voice.

Senior center Jake Brendel has assumed some added responsibilities with Klemm out. He was seen Wednesday showing technique to a couple of younger players.

“There is a certain way Coach Klemm likes things done,” Brendel said. “That’s something I know very well. I just make sure try to keep the mentality the way it was when he is here.”

But, Brendel claimed, “it’s not like I’m the guy.”

Not true, defensive line coach Angus McClure said.

McClure, a former offensive line coach, has worked with the unit this spring and has seen the value of Brendel.

“I think Jake’s experience has been huge for that offensive line,” McClure said. “He has been the rock for that offensive line the last four years. He has a coach’s mentality. He pushes the guys around him. They look up to him, so they respect him.”

There is no word on when, or if, Klemm will return.

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