Five spring issues
Here is the story I wrote on UCLA's quarterback situation heading into spring practice.
Also, below are five burning issues I wrote about for the paper, but didn't see online:
1. Will Kevin Prince prove he is worthy of being the starting quarterback?
The red-shirt freshman from Crespi High of Encino will split most of the reps with freshman early-enrollee Richard Brehaut for the first week of spring practice, and if he performs well he can win the job. Prince has a strong arm, big body (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) and the intelligence to run the offense. If Prince and Brehaut fall short, it will be back to Kevin Craft.
2. What will the offensive line look like?
The worst part of last year's 4-8 squad should look markedly different. The depth chart heading into spring practice includes three new starters (LT Sean Sheller, RT Nate Chandler and C Kai Maiava), but JUCO transfer Ryan Taylor should also challenge for a starting spot at right guard. And the re-make doesn't include a few talented freshmen who could earn playing time in training camp.
3. Who carries the ball?
Christian Ramirez gets the first crack. He's the type of big body (6 -2, 220) offensive coordinator Norm Chow likes at running back, and Ramirez can catch the ball. This group is chock full o' talent, with Derrick Coleman, Aundre Dean, Milton Knox and Johnathan Franklin all in the mix. It should be the best competition of the spring, but how will UCLA find enough footballs?
4. Who helps Brian Price?
Price is an NFL-caliber defensive tackle, who could leave after the 2009 season, but the loss of senior Brigham Harwell hurts the Bruins inside. Complicating matters is JUCO commit Branden Warner is having transcript problems, and may wind up at another school. It leaves seniors Jerzy Siewierski and Jess Ward contending to play next to Price.
5. Who will play the other cornerback spot?
Alterraun Verner is a fixture on one side, but the competition on the other side is wide open. Red-shirt freshman Aaron Hester is the top choice, and his size (6-1, 200) makes him a formidable defender. But you know what they say -- the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores. Hester didn't play zone defense in high school, and will need to show he learned the concepts on the scout team in the fall.
"If Prince and Brehaut fall short, it will be back to Kevin Craft."
*sigh* im so sick of this shiznitz. if craft is named the starting qb and ramirez the starting running back, im going to commit suicide.
just kidding, but damm, the thought makes me sick. if they are the starters, the world will end before we're happy with this football program. can we extend chow's contract that far?????