Anthony Barr eager to get his first sack


Still without a sack after two games, linebacker Anthony Barr smiled Wednesday when asked if he was frustrated.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I let a couple go last week. They’ll come. I just have to be patient and continue working. I think this week I’ll have a better opportunity.”

Part of reason has been UCLA’s game plan. The Bruins have been more concerned with containing quarterback runs in their first two games rather than. That should change this Saturday against New Mexico State, whose sprint offense has produced 794 passing yards to 306 rushing yards.

After stumbling to an 0-3 record, the Aggies will give true freshman King Davis III his first start when they enter the Rose Bowl. Davis has passed for 210 yards and a touchdown this season.

— Myles Jack has impressed early at both outside linebacker and in the dime formation, and looks like one of the gems of the Bruins’ touted recruiting class. His performance has helped free up the other side for Anthony Barr, who had a career-high 11 tackles against Nebraska.

“Everybody knows that he’s a great player, awesome athlete,” Barr said. “He’s going to be great for us going forward. He just has to keep focusing, not listen to the noise, keep playing his game.”

Head coach Jim Mora said Jack, also a running back at Bellevue High, will play some offense later this season. The versatile linebacker also had two interceptions in Wednesday’s practice while guarding wide receivers.

“Maybe we’ll play him at corner,” Mora joked. “I don’t know.”

— Reserve running back Roosevelt Davis was in a walking boot again with what appears to be a right ankle sprain.