Brett Hundley's introduction to college football was a bit overwhelming.
Because of staff and schematic changes, he didn't receive UCLA's playbook until a week before spring practice opened. He took one look, felt the weight of the tome - and realized he wasn't at Chandler High anymore.
"I was scared to be honest," Hundley said. "It was thicker than any book you've ever seen. It sucked, too. In high school our plays were two or three words. In college, they're nine or 10 words. I was like, 'How am I supposed to remember this from the sideline to the huddle?' "
Welcome to the big-time, Brett. Now go beat USC.
Not surprisingly, Hundley has gotten over his initial stage fright and become a factor in the UCLA quarterback race. Coach Rick Neuheisel said the starting job was wide open before spring ball and after five days of workouts Hundley was running with the second team - in part because of injuries - and impressing both teammates and coaches.
It's not inconceivable that Hundley opens the season as the starter.
"It's a tough position to play," Neuheisel told reporters after the Bruins' first practice. "There are going to be mistakes. But it never looked like it was too much for him. He never looked exasperated. He kind of rolled with it. And he certainly made a number of throws today that show that he belongs at this level."
That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who followed Hundley's career at Chandler. On most Friday nights he was a man among boys, and there was little doubt his strong arm, quick feet and 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame would translate well to the college game.
Still, even the most talented of recruits face a huge adjustment from high school to college ball, and that's been the case with Hundley. One example: Protection schemes. At Chandler, he didn't worry much about protection because he knew he could outrun most defenders. But good luck trying that against, say, ASU linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
"In college there are millions of protection schemes and you have to know them," Hundley said. "The playbook, the film study, how much time you put into everything is hugely different. I expected it to be that way, so it's not shocking. But it's just a lot of work."
In addition, Hundley is getting a crash-course in UCLA's pistol offense: In the pistol, the quarterback lines up 4 yards behind center - rather than the traditional 7 yards in the shotgun - and the running back is 3 yards behind the QB. It's a whole new world from his freelancing days at Chandler.
"It's a little more difficult than you'd expect, especially the footwork," Hundley said. "Everything has to be precise. It's all about the details."
Football hasn't been the only adjustment. Hundley has had to get used to class sizes of 300 instead of 30. He's also been surprised by the amount of attention he's received on campus. On a couple of occasions when he's introduced himself to other students they've replied, "Oh, so you're the savior."
"No, I'm Brett," Hundley replied. "I haven't thrown a ball for you guys yet. I haven't done anything."
Maybe not, but when you're the centerpiece of UCLA's recruiting class and you play the most important position on the field and the Bruins haven't had an elite quarterback in years, the pressure and expectations are immediate.
"That's the bad part," Hundley said. "I'm trying to change that and just be Brett."
UCLA opens the season Sept. 3 at Houston. By then, Hundley will have the offense down and the playbook memorized.
There will be just one other thing to do.
"I can't say I hate USC," Hundley said.
Give it time, Brett. Give it time.
Reach Bordow at scott.bordow@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-7996. Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/sBordow .
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