Post-practice update
Some quick notes from Wednesday's practice, followed by a short notebook:
Ryan Taylor is out for the game on Saturday, barring a miracle.
Jake Dean will likely be his replacement, with Darius Savage rotating in.
Kevin Craft led most of the 2-minute drill and got plenty of extra reps throughout practice.
Notebook:
UCLA redshirt freshman cornerback Aaron Hester was back in practice on Wednesday afternoon.
He's been practicing for weeks after recovering from a broken leg in Week 1 against San Diego State.
But he was back in practice on Wednesday.
At one point, after locking down a receiver on a go-route during team scrimmage, Hester hooted and hollered, daring the offense to bring it.
"My swagger never went anywhere," Hester said. "It's been here the whole time. Now I'm getting more reps, more of an opportunity to make plays. When I'm in my zone, I'm in my zone. I try to get the receivers going. How else can I do that beside talking and getting loud?"
Mired by timidity and stuck behind freshman Sheldon Price, the one-time starter is trying to break out of his shell again, hoping to show his coaches that he's all the way back.
In Week 1, one of his two appearances this season, Hester helped the Bruins hold San Diego State to just 277 yards of total offense, and just 39 yards rushing.
"I've been showing them this week in practice," Hester said. "I've been flying around making plays, making big hits. It's up to the coaches now. All I can do is play football and all they can do is put me in or not. I was the original starter here; I haven't forgot how to play football."
UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel said redshirt freshman running back Johnathan Franklin was still very much a part of the game plan heading into Saturday's matchup with Arizona State.
Franklin, who has started eight games for the Bruins this year, was replaced by sophomore Derrick Coleman last week as he tries to address ball-control issues.
"I don't think we have to worry about him being that guy, I think he just wants to go out there and play," Neuheisel said. "It has to be instinctive hanging on to the ball rather than thinking about hanging on to the ball. If you're thinking about hanging onto the ball, you're not playing the able to play. It becomes almost a self-fulfilling prophecy."
Why so many reps for KCraft? Is something wrong with Prince or is he just taking more of Brehauts reps?
Hello! simple. the next two games should be close, and has experience in two min. offense...hint, it aint Brehaut.
I understand that Craft will get some playing time because of Senior Day, but I don't understand the two-minute drill bit.
I'm actually concerned about that. Please elaborate Jon.
Jon can you elaborate on Kraft taking so many reps. Please don't tell me he is starting!
coaches are admitting they effed-up. Kraft should have been #2 bringing Brehaut along slowly (scout team, second team reps, mop-up)burned his red-shirt for nothing.