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August 29, 2006
Depth chart stuff
UCLA released its depth chart Monday, but I don't read a lot into it. A couple things stood out, though. First, Kevin Brown was listed a backup to Brigham Harwell, while Kenneth Lombard was listed as a starter. But that doesn't mean Brown won't see considerable time playing next to Harwell, especially if Lombard struggles early.
However, from watching Brown at practice throughout training camp, it is evident he is still shaking off some of the rust from missing last season because of ankle surgery.
Another depth chart thing that jumped out was freshman receiver Terrence Austin being listed behind Brandon Breazell, Matt Willis and Andrew Baumgarnter. I think by the mid-point of the season Austin will have moved into the second spot. Regardless, Austin will be involved in the offense as one of the receivers in the rotation.
And coach Karl Dorrell's decision to go with Chris Markey as the punt returner isn't surprising. In Dorrell's first three years, he usually went with experience when a position battle was close. Once Austin gets a better handle on fielding punts, he will take over that spot.
On a daily notes basis, defensive back Michael Norris missed practice again and isn't expected to play against Utah. It means true freshman Alterraun Verner will serve as UCLA's nickel back.
Posted by Brian Dohn at August 29, 2006 08:54 PM
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Comments
Brian--enjoy the blog.
How concerned should we Bruin fans be about the depth at CB?
Posted by: kennedy Cosgrove at August 30, 2006 01:01 AM
Thanks for the info as always Brian. A question, I noticed that Reggie Carter was named starter on the weakside and was wondering if that was due to McNeal's academic status, or was Carter simply better in camp? And do you see Carter holding on to the job throughout the season as a RS Freshman? I'm very excited about his potential.
P.S. - Congratulations on completing your marathon.
Posted by: MD at August 30, 2006 02:22 AM
Welcome back and congrats Brian.
What do you think about Ben Olson for the heisman?? Drew Olson didn't get noticed last year and Ben is running almost the same offense. But maybe the offense will be a little better with Coach Svoboda opening things up.
Big year for the Bruins I think they will surprise a lot of people.
Any predictions?
Thanks,
PAT
Posted by: PAT at August 30, 2006 07:37 AM
I think all Bruin fans should be concerned about the depth at CB and Safety. With Norris nursing an injury and Kibble likely out for the year, Dorrell has a true freshman in Verner starting at nickel and basically two running backs in the 2 and 3 deep; That can't be good. Brown, Van, Keyes, and Horton are a pretty darn good secondary, but if any of them get hurt this year the drop off is big. The guys behind them are athletic and have some talent, especially Verner, but they are very green. Walker's new defense relys heavily on the corners playing man-to-man coverage and leaving them out there on islands with no help. If we can' rely on the CBs to cover then he'll have to play a more conservative defense with the safeties less able to blitz. We all know how well that worked last year.
Brian, any takes on the progress of McGee and Ramirez transitioning to the defense?
Posted by: CalPolyBruinFan at August 30, 2006 08:07 AM
Two quick answers:
Ben Olson should not be a Heisman candidate this season. He hasn't played since 2001, is running a very complex offense and doesn't have a lot of game-breakers around him. I see him having many ups and downs as he gets back into playing competitive football. Heisman talk is foolish, in my view.
As for the cornerback sitatuion, UCLA should be very concerned. If anything happens to either Rodney Van or Trey Brown, look out. It could get ugly in the passing game. I think Alterraun Verner will be very good, but he's a freshman, and it would be unfair to put that type of responsibility on him. As for McGee and Ramirez, I think if either plays at pivotal times this season, it will not be good.
Posted by: Brian Dohn at August 30, 2006 09:12 AM
BRIAN, I MUST BE MISSING SOMETHING, I'VE ALWAYS
THOUGHT HAVING ATHLETIC RECIEVERS PLAYING AT DB
WOULD BE GREAT. IT IS ONLY THEIR GREAT HANDS THAT
KEEP THEM STUCK ON OFFENSE AND OUT OF THE FUN OF DEFENSE. KEN
Posted by: KEN at August 30, 2006 01:13 PM