--UCLA quarterback Ben Olson is slated to be the starter again following the season-ending injury to Pat Cowan. Olson has had injury issues since joining the Bruins, starting only 10 games in two years. He has the strong arm and a presence, when healthy to get the job done. He threw for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The broken bone in his right foot needs to heal properly, and quickly, however.
--MLB Reggie Carter and corner Alterraun Verner have both been named to the Lott Watch list after stellar sophomore seasons. The two are being counted on as defensive leaders. Verner had 75 tackles a year ago, and Carter made 62 stops, 12 for losses.
SPRING MOVERS
QB Kevin Craft -- The junior college transfer from Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College is a backup for Ben Olson for now but is being looked at as a starter if needed. Craft took over most of the reps on the final days. He is adjusting from operating an offense from the shotgun formation to being under center. He admits more developmental time under center is required.
WR/QB Osaar Rasshan -- The Bruins' coaches have asked their athletic junior to switch to wide receiver, or even to safety, and he will, but Rasshan insists he can still play quarterback. With injuries he will be given every chance, but his speed on the outside could be better utilized as a wideout.
FS Glenn Love -- The 6-4, 207-pound freshman was making a huge impact on the Bruins defense despite a broken left thumb. A knee injury on the final day will slow him, but probably not much after a spring-long show of talent.
Centers -- The Bruins moved guard Micah Reed to center and then tried to upgrade the position by switching Nick Ekbatani from right guard. Reed has gotten the lead in the depth chart, although inexperience is a factor.
QUOTE TO NOTE "I'm OK, under the circumstances. These are two tough setbacks for two great kids who are certainly trying, who have been bitten by some bad luck over the course of their careers. But they've always bounced back, and they will bounce back again." -- UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel on quarterbacks Pat Cowan and Ben Olson getting injured just before the conclusion of spring practices.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
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
...(more)
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
...(more)
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.
...(more)
