STARS OF 2008:

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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