RB Kahlil Bell -- He tore an ACL against Washington State Oct. 27, but should be able to make a strong return in 2008. He rushed 142 times for a team-high 795 yards and five touchdowns last season. Chris Markey is no longer around to split time in the backfield, but Bell will have to compete with speedy Raymond Carter, one of the team's top recruits from 2007. Carter never had chance to make an impact as a true freshman because he suffered a torn right ACL in fall camp.
CB Alterraun Verner -- He'll be a true junior in 2008 and one of the leaders of the defense. He has a knack for big plays and will be the team's leading returning tackler with 75. Verner intercepted four passes and broke up 15 passes last season.
PK Kai Forbath -- He had a superb debut season (a blocked kick against BYU notwithstanding). Forbath made 25 of 30 field-goal attempts, including attempts of 50 and 52 yards against BYU in the bowl game. He was good on all five attempts of at least 50 yards this season.
LB Kyle Bosworth -- Had a good junior season at strong-side linebacker, making 74 tackles. He is strong at the line of scrimmage and is capable of some huge games, such as the 19 tackles he had at Washington State. He and Reggie Carter should lead a standout group of linebackers.
TOP NEWCOMERS CB Aaron Hester -- Rated No. 63 nationally by Rivals.com. He had 89 tackles, eight interceptions and recovered four fumbles as a senior. At 6-0, 180 pounds, he has nice size for a corner.
S Rahim Moore, Los Angeles -- Another part to what was a great class of defensive backs. Moore took a late trip to Arizona but held firm to the Bruins. He's rated the fourth-best defensive back in the country by SuperPrep. Moore is from Dorsey High, which often is a pipeline to USC.
RBs Aundre Dean, Katy, Texas; and Milton Knox, Lake Balboa, Calif. -- UCLA signed a pair of Parade All-Americans at running back. Knox went into Signing Day still considering Notre Dame but signed with the Bruins. He rushed for 2,210 yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior. Dean had 2,498 yards and 26 TDs as a senior. The UCLA running game needs some flash; perhaps this is it. Elsewhere in the backfield, UCLA signed Derrick Coleman, considered one of the nation's top fullbacks.
ROSTER REPORT
--FB Michael Pitre did not receive a medical hardship from the NCAA. He missed last season because of a severe bone bruise in his left knee.
--LB Joshua Edwards, considered a frontrunner for the job on the weak side, will miss spring ball because of a fractured right cheekbone.
--WR Marcus Everett is back after receiving a medical redshirt after a 2007 season in which he was limited to four games because of an ankle injury. He figured to be one of the team's top receivers last season.
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Both Pat Cowan and Ben Olson won't be participating on the final Spring scrimmage at Rose Bowl. Pat Cowan could be out of the entire season when MRI revealed that he has damage ACL on his left knee. The same left knee he had surgery last February. Wanting to be a starter, I think Pat Cowan came back too soon after the surgery which lead to this injury.
I'm hearing nothing out here and was wondering if the local press is covering any details other than the QB battle. Any updates would be greatly appreciated.
May 3rd, 2008 on the Gator Football homepage will be the first annual fan smack-off. Fans from all over CBSSportsline.com are invited to join a special thread being set-up which will be titled "Smack-off" to talk your best smack at your bitterest rival. Auburn v. Alabama, Michigan v. OSU, USC v. UCLA, Kansas v. Missouri, we'll have it all. We are
The Las Vegas Bookmakers have posted UCLA's over/under at at 5 1/2 wins this season. The Bruins have to play 6 pre season top 25 teams this season including sc, ASU, Tennessee, BYU, Fresno st. and Oregon. Seven home games with road games at Provo, Eugene, Berkeley, Seattle and Tempe. I have to question the Senior leadership on this team with their decision to
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Fans' favorite, Pat Cowan, emerged as #1 QB so far this Spring practice. Surprisingly, Norm Chow observed him as having a stronger arm than Ben Olson. He's more mobile than Olson and hopefully Norm Chow can develop him further before Fall. I supposed having to coach Vince Young the last 2 years, Norm Chow may have a little different perspective or approach on his new simplify offense. In t
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We have a somewhat-new feature on Vcast/AT&T. Each week I ask you to explain why you love or hate a program. I'll usually do this when your team is playing a rival. And it just so happens UCLA is playing USC. So Bruins fans here's a small chance to take some nice shots at USC and tell the world what's so great about L.A.'s real college football team.
I know it is basketball season, but I sometimes take pause to look ahead to 2008. I am excited about the offense, as I think we have talent and depth at all of the skill positions. Lanis and Kia give us great anchors at the tackles, but I am curious to see how we rebuild the interior of the O-Line. Keane, Dean, Sheller, Bennett, young Tevaga - there is some potential there.
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