Aidan Mizell continued his breakout campaign by recording six catches for 176 yards in a 22-14 victory for UCLA over Illinois on Friday night, according to Yahoo Sports.
The performance at the Rose Bowl, played in rainy conditions, saw Mizell account for more than half of the Bruins’ total receiving yardage.
Mizell’s impact was immediate as he scored on a 54-yard reception during the first possession of the game, providing a necessary spark for the offense, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The receiver added a 63-yard gain in the second quarter, bringing his total contribution to 176 yards, with 100 of those coming after the catch.
UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, who connected with Mizell on nine of his 27 pass attempts, praised his teammate’s ability to create plays after the initial reception, noting that “he’s a great receiver” and adding, “You see what he does with the ball after he catches it.”
Mizell, a transfer from Florida, has become an essential deep threat for the 10-0 Bruins as injuries have sidelined other receiving options.
Head coach Bob Chesney noted that the coaching staff was always aware of the player’s potential but needed to ensure he was physically prepared for the rigors of the season, stating, “We knew who he was, we knew what he’s capable of, and we just needed to get him healthy.”
The chemistry between Dieffenbach and Mizell developed during the offseason, as both players worked to integrate themselves into the team after transferring, according to the outlets reporting on the game.
While Mizell has only 15 catches on the season, his efficiency remains high with a 33.4-yard average per reception.
Dieffenbach emphasized the importance of players stepping up to fill gaps left by teammates, telling reporters, “The way everyone steps up, Aidan in particular, it’s just awesome.”