UCLA Football: Former Bruins Star QB Impresses Many In NFL Debut

Could not ASK for a better start!

The Hall of Fame Game kicks off in early August of each NFL season and is a chance for many young players to make a first impression on their new teams. 

Despite the game being preseason action, with primarily backups getting most of the playing time, one UCLA alum showed out on the national stage. 

Dorian Thompson-Robinson had his first chance at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns against the New York Jets and did not disappoint in the opportunity he was given. 

"I'm super excited just to have this opportunity. Lord knows I worked my butt off to get here, as well as the rest of the guys that I got drafted with. So, I'm just happy to be out there -- be an asset to them -- making sure I'm getting guys in the right spots and doing everything I can to lead the team well also."

via Steve Wyche, NFL.com

Dorian Thompson-Robinson tonight 🔥

•75 yards
•1 TD
•32 rushing yards
•Led a 93-yard TD drive pic.twitter.com/low8Wa2MI9

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 4, 2023

A four-year starter for the Bruins, Thompson-Robinson finished the game with 82 yards with his arm on 8 for 11 passing and a touchdown while adding 36 more yards with his legs. 

The dual-threat ability has always been DTR's calling card and his most recent audience in Canton; it'll be more than just the Bruins faithful cheering him on for the rest of the preseason. 

Thompson-Robinson did a little of everything in the contest, showing his strength in the open field with crafty footwork and a stiff arm on the first touchdown drive he engineered in the third quarter. 

To close that drive, Thompson-Robinson laid a block for fellow UCLA alum running back Demetric Felton to follow into the end zone, showing grit and willingness to compete no matter where it is. 

#Browns rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson just led a 93-yard TD drive -- and it ended with him becoming a lead blocker!

DTR doing a little bit of everything.

pic.twitter.com/Ae1bKJer9H

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 4, 2023

After this performance that included another touchdown drive in the second half, the former Bruin has firmly supplanted himself ahead of Kellen Mond for the third QB spot in Cleveland with this stellar opening act.