Chip Kelly previews matchup against Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina

Chip Kelly threw a ton of praise at Coastal Carolina and their quarterback Grayson McCall ahead of UCLA’s opening showdown with the Chanticleers.

Coastal Carolina has been a ton of fun to watch over the last couple of seasons, and that’s not simply because of their teal field. Now, they’ll have a shot to go up against one of the best teams in the PAC-12, but it’s evident Kelly has a ton of respect for their organization.

Speaking with the media, Kelly explained his belief in McCall being one of the top returning quarterbacks in the nation, and how much attention the Bruins have been paying him.

“A lot of weapons. The difficult thing with Coastal and going into this game, is it’s a brand new coaching staff. So you know, new head coach. New coordinators, at defense and offense and special teams. Jamey Chadwell was the head coach, he left and went to Liberty and took his entire staff with him. So it’s the personnel is the same, and I think Grayson McCall is one of the top returning quarterbacks in college football,” explained the UCLA leader. “I think his numbers may be the all-time best. Something like 75 touchdowns, eight interceptions in his career, or something to that effect. He’s an outstanding football player.”

In addition to McCall, Kelly isn’t taking freshly-minted Coastal Carolina head coach Tim Beck lightly, giving him credit for being such a bright offensive mind as he takes over the Chanticleers.

“Tim Beck, a lot of people understand and know what Tim is,” stated Kelly. “He’s an offensive coach, offensive coordinator at a lot of really good schools. Tim knows how to use the quarterback. So we would anticipate Grayson being used, both his arm and his legs. He has the ability to beat you with both. He’s a tremendous runner, but he’s also one of the all-time accurate passers in NCAA history.”

Last season was a great one for UCLA, but they’re hoping to reach even higher in 2023. On the other hand, Coastal Carolina is hoping to prove their success has been no fluke, even with Chadwell leaving for the Liberty Flames.

The best way to do that would be to take on the Bruins and leave victorious. That’s the last thing Chip Kelly wants to happen, but the party would rage on all night at Coastal Carolina if it did. Well, it likely will regardless, but a victory would make it that much sweeter. Time will tell if it comes to fruition.