Bruins report: Notes, quotes
 

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Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel
 

--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.

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