UCLA safety Randall Goforth to undergo shoulder surgeries

UCLA safety Randall Goforth will miss the season after separating both shoulders earlier this year. He is pictured practicing in San Bernardino on Aug. 5, 2014. ( John Valenzuela/The Sun)

UCLA safety Randall Goforth will miss the season after separating both shoulders earlier this year. He is pictured practicing in San Bernardino on Aug. 5, 2014. ( John Valenzuela/The Sun)

UCLA will lose safety Randall Goforth for the season to shoulder injuries, leaving the Bruins without one of their four returning starters.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Goforth will have the first of two shoulder surgeries this week. The junior had separated his left shoulder during preseason training camp, then separated his right shoulder in UCLA’s 42-35 win over Memphis on Sept. 6.

Since Goforth played in fewer than three contests, he should be eligible for a medical hardship waiver if he sits out the rest of the season. Continue reading “UCLA safety Randall Goforth to undergo shoulder surgeries” »

UCLA safety Randall Goforth’s shoulder injury could linger

Safety Randall Goforth practices during UCLA's training camp at Cal State San Bernardino on Aug. 11, 2014. (Micah Escamilla/San Bernardino Sun)

Safety Randall Goforth practices during UCLA’s training camp at Cal State San Bernardino on Aug. 11, 2014. (Micah Escamilla/San Bernardino Sun)

Safety Randall Goforth’s shoulder injury could keep him out for more than just one game.

An All-Pac-12 honorable mention, Goforth separated his right shoulder during UCLA’s win against Memphis more than a week ago, and missed the Bruins’ 20-17 victory over Texas on Saturday. Head coach Jim Mora said the team will decide how to handle the junior’s injury within the next few days — whether that means having him wear a brace, rehab, rest, or undergo surgery.

Goforth, who had started 20 games before his injury, also hurt his left shoulder during UCLA’s training camp.

“We want to make the right decision for his long-term health and the good of the team,” Mora said. Continue reading “UCLA safety Randall Goforth’s shoulder injury could linger” »

Goodman, Wadood probable replacements for Goforth

Asked about the UCLA defense’s surprising allowances to Memphis, head coach Jim Mora mentioned only one player by name during his halftime interview, lamenting the loss of safety Randall Goforth to a separated shoulder in the first half. The Bruins are preparing to play Texas on Saturday without the junior, whose injured right shoulder is such that Mora has all but declared him out.

“We’re leaning towards doubtful and teetering on out,” Mora said after Thursday’s practice. “We’re still waiting on a little information, but I think he’s very doubtful.”

Sophomore Tahaan Goodman is expected to start in place of Goforth, whose 78 tackles ranked fourth on the team last season. Goodman, a four-star recruit who saw some time in the secondary as a freshman last season, replaced Goforth in the second half against Memphis. Also expected to see action is Jaleel Wadood, a true freshman out of St. John Bosco High School ranked the No. 7 cornerback in the country by rivals.com.

Continue reading “Goodman, Wadood probable replacements for Goforth” »

UCLA notes: Defensive back Adarius Pickett switches to running back

» In what was a relatively quiet Saturday morning practice for UCLA, the team’s most notable development was a position change: cornerback Adarius Pickett switched to running back.

The true freshman enrolled early at UCLA as one of the country’s top defensive back prospects, rated eighth at his position nationally by Rivals.com and No. 126 overall. But given how deep the Bruin secondary has become over the last two years, there may be a better chance for him to make an impact on special teams and in the offensive backfield.

“I don’t know that he’d get in the rotation at defensive back,” head coach Jim Mora said. “Running back is still a spot where we’re looking for some depth. He seemed like the perfect guy. …

“We’re looking for reasons not to redshirt guys, rather than redshirt them.”

The move isn’t set in stone, but Mora said Pickett took the news well: “He certainly was open to it. His quote to Coach Meat last night was “I’ll leave here the starter” — not in an arrogant type of way, but a determined type of way. He’s excited about it.”

Of course, UCLA’s coaching staff has a good track record with moving players across the line of scrimmage. Anthony Barr turned into a top-ten NFL draft pick after moving from F-back to outside linebacker, and former running back Fabian Moreau looks like a potential pro at cornerback.

» Former starting tackle Simon Goines had surgery on Friday to remove bone spurs from his ankle, the latest in a series of leg injuries for the junior offensive lineman.

However, Mora wasn’t high on the idea of potentially redshirting Goines to get him fully healthy. The coach said he wants him to be mentally prepared to play by the the Bruins’ Sept. 13 game against Texas. Continue reading “UCLA notes: Defensive back Adarius Pickett switches to running back” »

UCLA notes: Graduate transfer Malcolm Bunche moves to starting left tackle

RB Jordon James, right, carries the ball during the UCLA practice at Cal State San Bernardino. Wednesday, August 6, 2014. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Daily Bulletin)"

RB Jordon James, right, carries the ball during the UCLA practice at Cal State San Bernardino. Wednesday, August 6, 2014. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Daily Bulletin)”

» UCLA might have found its new starting left tackle in graduate transfer Malcolm Bunche. Used mostly at guard through spring and the first two days of training camp, the 6-foot-7 lineman moved to the edge on Wednesday with surprisingly good results.

With starting right tackle Conor McDermott (shoulder) held out for the day, sophomore Caleb Benenoch moved from left to right — vacating a spot for Bunche to shift out. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said he may keep that formation moving forward.

You can read more about the Bruins’ offensive line situation here.

» Tahaan Goodman has been able to carry over the momentum he generated in spring. The sophomore safety just missed out on a highlight, one-handed interception. Quarterback Jerry Neuheisel had thrown a high ball over the middle, but Goodman jumped up and twisted back and got his right hand on it. Continue reading “UCLA notes: Graduate transfer Malcolm Bunche moves to starting left tackle” »