UCLA doesn’t mind Ishmael Adams’ being shut down on kickoffs

Statistically, Ishmael Adams has cooled down in the kick return game. After returning a kickoff for a touchdown against Arizona State, Adams has been shut out of the end zone.

But a big part of that is because teams are avoiding Adams like the plague. Cal last weekend is a good example. The Bears didn’t boot a regular, standard kickoff in the second half, instead choosing to squib almost every kickoff toward the blockers in the middle of the field. As a result, UCLA’s starting field position was at the 34-yard line, on average.

So, while Adams didn’t get the ball, he still managed to make an impact on the kick-return game.

“It gets a little annoying, but at the end of the day, the coaches tell me it’s the ultimate sign of respect,” Adams said on Monday. “I’ll take it as that, and whenever I get another opportunity, I will be ready.”

Cal was also burned by a returner other than Adams, when wide receiver Mossi Johnson took a squib kickoff and got all the way to Cal’s 22-yard line. According to Adams, that type of play is just as important as his own big returns.

“I love seeing my guys in front of me make plays,” he said. “Whenever somebody makes a play, it’s a celebration of all of us.”

For more Bruin observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook