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UCLA practices with ‘a little bit of noise’ at entertainment-infused ‘Friday Night Lights’

April 19, 2025

UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer runs with the ball during the team’s Friday Night Lights spring practice on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Drake Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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LOS ANGELES — The ninth UCLA spring football practice brought the second iteration of Friday Night Lights, a glammed-up open practice designed to appeal to recruits, alumni and donors.

All of the above were packed into Drake Stadium on Friday night, whether they were on the sidelines or sitting in the stands. Players had to focus with the distractions of live music performance and a comedy host in the background – as well as the outside noise of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava reportedly transferring to UCLA.

“If you can’t perform because there’s a little bit of noise, that’s probably not a good thing,” head coach DeShaun Foster told reporters prior to Friday Night Lights.

Appalachian State transfer QB Joey Aguilar continued to take first-team repetitions in front of a crowd that included roughly 250 recruits and even signed autographs as the night was winding down.

The offense had expanded its playbook during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills since the last open practice. Aguilar connected with tight end Peter Bario for a 15-yard pass on one of his first throws of the evening and later delivered 30- and 20-yard passes to Mikey Matthews, a transfer from Cal.

“We talk to Joey just like every other quarterback that’s in that room and discuss what’s going on or what’s not going on and how he’s practicing,” Foster said. “I like where Joey’s at right now, and hopefully he can keep progressing as spring goes.”

The UCLA running game also steadily picked up momentum. Anthony Frias II and Jalen Berger comprised an experimental two-back set and Frias broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run.

Quarterback Luke Duncan practiced with the second-team offense, which is consistent with what’s been seen for most of spring practice. Receiver Kwazi Gilmer stretched the field but got the most attention on Friday night when he was involved in a shoving match with defensive back Croix Stewart.

Practice periods overlapped with a musical performance from Los Angeles-based rapper 310babii. Frankie Quiñones, known for his character, Creeper – an enthusiastic, “cholo” fitness instructor – periodically hosted interviews with notable alumni like Baron Davis and Eric Hendricks.

His go-to question: “What’s your favorite food?” His sign-off: “That’s what’s up.”

The over-the-top entertainment aligned with the showiness and exposure that Foster says Los Angeles can offer to student-athletes who want to make a name for themselves.

“In L.A., you can really capitalize on name, image, and likeness,” Foster said. “Not NIL – name image and likeness. You know what I’m saying? It’s just letting them know what the landscape here is in L.A. and how you can really capitalize on if you become a big-time player.”

The Bruins layered on the star power with a Friday Night Lights pre-show fronted by “All The Smoke” podcast host Matt Barnes and broadcast host Cari Champion, who are both UCLA alumni. Former UCLA tight end and current Chicago Bear Mercedes Lewis was interviewed as part of the show.

“Growing up in L.A., I always think there’s stars,” Champion said. “If you want to be a part of that environment, you should be in big markets. This is one of them. UCLA has such a rich history in sports. It’s literally legendary in sports. So, to me, that’s a valuable choice.”

UCLA practices with ‘a little bit of noise’ at entertainment-infused ‘Friday Night Lights’ Orange County Register

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UCLA practices with ‘a little bit of noise’ at entertainment-infused ‘Friday Night Lights’

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