Jim Mora likes how the UCLA offense improved during spring practice

UCLA spring football practice has come and gone and the offense still doesn’t have a name.

Whatever it is, it ran much smoother during the Bruins’ spring showcase on campus at Drake Stadium on Saturday than it did when practice began three and a half weeks ago.

“It’s like night and day,” Coach Jim Mora said. “The first day of spring you go in with the attitude, you understand there are some new concepts being developed and that it might be a little bit sloppy, and it was. But every day they got a little bit better.”

Saturday’s showcase featured drills and a scrimmage, but no tackling, in front of an estimated 8,000 fans who watched an offense designed to feature quarterback Josh Rosen, a freshman All-American last season when he completed 292 passes, 23 for touchdowns.

Rosen completed several deep passes for touchdowns Saturday, but also threw three interceptions.

“Like he always does when he’s on a stage that’s different from practice, he seems to rise up and excel, but I feel like he is calm, grasps the concepts and likes the concepts,” Mora said.

Said Rosen: “I thought it went really well. Got a lot to work on. Love the new offense and feel like we are moving in a really good direction.”

Rosen will play more under center and sometimes take snaps from the shotgun. Tight ends and fullbacks have been incorporated.

Rosen must build chemistry with several new receivers since losing top targets Jordan Payton, Thomas Duarte and Devin Fuller after last season. The Bruins do not lack for players at the position, but experience is a concern.

Kenneth Walker III and Darren Andrews each made several catches on deep routes Saturday. Tight end Nate Iese also made a circus-like reception for a touchdown.

“We just go out there and compete every day and get better, we don’t look at it like we have to fill holes or replace anybody,” receiver Eldridge Massington said.

UCLA plays Texas A&M in a season opener in College Station on Sept. 3.

Mora said the receivers and offensive line were among his biggest concerns ahead of training camp.

Gone from the line are starting center Jake Brendel, tackle Caleb Benenoch and guard Alex Redmond.

Mora said he was confident in new center Scott Quessenberry, a fourth-year junior, but remained mindful that he was sidelined last season after undergoing shoulder surgeries.

Third-year sophomore Najee Toran and fourth-year junior Kenny Lacy are at left and right guard, respectively.

Left tackle Conor McDermott opted to return for his senior season and will start opposite sophomore tackle Kolton Miller.

“Like every year I’ve been here, it’s trying to get those five guys to work together on a consistent basis,” Mora said.

McKinley stands out

Though most eyes were on the offense this spring, Mora said he would have named defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley as the most valuable player, if awards were handed out.

McKinley recorded two sacks during the scrimmage.

“I think he can be very dangerous,” said Mora, adding that the 6-foot-2 McKinley gained 15 pounds since last season and now weighs 265.

Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said McKinley’s newfound understanding of the scheme has allowed for his improvement.

“He has had an excellent spring and has gotten better at a lot of different things,” Bradley said. “He’s a guy that gives us dominant edge pressure.”

Extra points

Defensive back Charles Dawson, once a walk-on, intercepted two of Rosen’s passes and freshman linebacker Mique Juarez also made an interception. … Mora said no serious injuries were suffered during spring practices. … More than 200 recruits watched from the sideline… Former players Payton, Benenoch and Kenny Clark — each expected to be selected in the NFL draft — were in attendance.

lindsey.thiry@latimes.com

Twitter: @LindseyThiry