Injury report: Left tackle Simon Goines to return in reserve role

Left tackle Simon Goines will be available against Arizona in a reserve role this Saturday, UCLA coach Jim Mora said. The sophomore injured his right MCL, and was still limping noticeably as he entered practice without pads Tuesday.

Starting running back Jordon James is also expected to play, practicing in full pads. The junior had missed three full games, and took six carries last Saturday before reaggravating his ankle injury. Continue reading “Injury report: Left tackle Simon Goines to return in reserve role” »

UCLA offensive line likely to start three true freshmen


With three days left until a visit from UCLA, No. 2 Oregon’s defense may already be salivating.

Two weeks ago, the No. 12 Bruins started two true freshmen on the offensive line for the first time in school history. This Wednesday, Bruins offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said true freshman Scott Quessenberry will likely join the mix at left guard.

Primarily a center, Quessenberry played some guard in fall camp, but was redshirting this season until the line’s recent rash of injuries. He has practiced there this week after the loss of left tackle Simon Goines, who injured his MCL in a 24-10 loss at Stanford. Protecting quarterback Brett Hundley’s blind side now falls to All-American Xavier Su’a-Filo, who shifts over from left guard. Continue reading “UCLA offensive line likely to start three true freshmen” »

Brett Hundley talks about Bruins’ offense, O-line


Early this season, Brett Hundley couldn’t talk enough about UCLA’s resurgent offensive line. Since then, two starting tackles have gone down — one (Torian White) lost for the season with a broken ankle, the other (Simon Goines) still uncertain with an injured left MCL.

The quarterback’s most-used line now is talking about what he needs to do to help the five guys in front of him.

“I’ll keep my eyes down the field no matter what’s happening, what’s going on back there,” Hundley said. “I’ve just got to trust that they’re going to get the job done and do my part.”

Torian White’s injury unsettles UCLA offensive line

Through its first three games, UCLA’s offensive line had looked every part a resurgent unit — plowing lanes for an effective ground attack and keeping quarterback Brett Hundley on his feet. For the first time in a decade, the Bruins had both NFL-caliber talent and quality depth.

Also crucial was the chemistry, something both coaches and players said had improved vastly since an injury-plagued 2012 campaign. Early on this fall, the Bruins staff had emphasized building a consistent starting five.

Thursday night complicated those plans. In the second quarter of a 34-27 win at Utah, left tackle Torian White broke his right ankle. (UPDATE: White is officially out for the season with a break and slight ligament tear.) Continue reading “Torian White’s injury unsettles UCLA offensive line” »

Torian White making mark on offensive line


Simultaneously blessed and cursed by a raging metabolism, right tackle Torian White has figured out how to keep his weight on after dropping down to 265 over the course of the 2012 season.

Now hovering around a heftier 295, the 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore has looked entrenched as a starter on the offensive line.

“I feel more technically sound than I was last year,” White said. “There’s certain things I know to look out for. Certain ways that a defender’s lined up that will help me technique-wise, when it comes to setting a certain way.”

He also agreed with the common assessment on both sides of the ball that the offensive line is communicating better. White added that the unit being more in sync as actually resulted in less verbal communication.