Trent Hendrick made his debut on UCLA's practice field Monday, becoming the first player in the program's history to have practiced with an NFL team before joining the Bruins' roster. Hendrick, a linebacker, previously worked out with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs during their respective rookie minicamps after going undrafted out of James Madison.
"He's a nice addition of a kid that we trust and believe in as part of our family," UCLA coach Bob Chesney said of Hendrick, who was a standout player for Chesney at James Madison. Hendrick's arrival was facilitated by a recent court order granting him a fifth year of college eligibility, a decision that allowed him to rejoin the Bruins.
Chesney anticipates Hendrick, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, will play in the season opener against California. Hendrick's addition did not affect the team's roster or scholarship limits, as the Bruins were within the allowed numbers. Chesney emphasized that Hendrick's late arrival was approved because he would be a significant asset.
"He’s a natural-born leader, he is a guy that understands the culture," Chesney stated. "It’s cool because he watched us come into JMU after that [Curt Cignetti] staff had left and he was one of the ties that bound the entire thing together and now he has a chance to come here and help with that process again."
Hendrick has adopted a new jersey number, 51, as his previous number 5 from James Madison is retired at UCLA in honor of safety Kenny Easley. During practice, Hendrick was seen greeting teammates and coaches. He did not immediately participate in full-contact drills, as he is still completing a required progression, according to Chesney.
Last season, Hendrick recorded 106 tackles, including seven for loss and three sacks, along with two forced fumbles and three pass breakups. Chesney addressed Hendrick's integration with the current linebackers, noting that the team had transparent conversations about his addition. "This is not a guy we don’t know, this is not a guy we don’t trust," Chesney said. "So we had that conversation with the team and they all left at the end of it, the linebackers in particular, of [saying] thank you... So I think it’s important that we had those conversations about who he was as a player, that he’s guaranteed nothing and just like everybody on this team, whatever they get, they have to work for."
UCLA reportedly secured Hendrick's commitment over offers from Cal and Virginia Tech. Chesney commented on the evolving landscape of college sports, suggesting a trend toward teams resembling Triple-A affiliates for the NFL.