Local coaches love the 'high-energy' visits by Chesney

As far as first impressions go, new UCLA football coach Bob Chesney has been hitting the ball out of the park, according to high school coaches who have been receiving visits since Chesney started focusing on introducing himself to local coaches when the college transfer portal closed on Jan. 16.

- ERIC SONDHEIMER

Hamilton High HAMILTON coach Elijah Asante, left, praised Bob Chesney, calling the new UCLA coach "a grinder."

"He's a high-energy guy who has a clear vision," St.John Bosco coach Jason Negro said. "He's going to bring some excitement back. I was highly impressed. If he's going to execute what his plan is, he's going to have immediate success." There are so many Chesney sightings at high schools around Southern California, you have to wonder if he's also scouting for a new house, but that's probably left to his wife. On his visit to St. John Bosco, his driver was former St. John Bosco assistant Marshawn Friloux, a holdover in the Bruins' recruiting department from the previous staff.

Bellflower coach Keith Miller, whose son, Austin, is one of the top tight ends from the class of 2029, got a school visit from Chesney, who also met Miller's wife.

Austin was offered a scholarship on Saturday after an unofficial visit to Westwood.