Tailback Tyler Ebell will likely be out for the Silicon Valley
Classic on Dec. 30 with a left shoulder injury that may require
surgery. UCLA could also be in a world of hurt if the sophomore
were to transfer at the season’s end.
With quarterback Matt Moore having left school to transfer and
backup John Sciarra thinking over a similar move, rumors abound
that Ebell will follow suit. This, despite the fact that since
Ebell has used up his redshirt year, by NCAA rules, he would only
have one season left to play if he were to transfer to a Division
I-A school.
Teammates have reportedly said Ebell is unhappy with his role in
the offense after a breakout redshirt freshman season in which he
rushed for 994 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ebell has since rushed for
just 501 yards and two touchdowns, splitting carries with true
freshman Maurice Drew, who ended up being the Bruins’ leading
rusher.
That Ebell has declined interviews with the media this week
seems to lend credence to the idea of him feeling discontent. But
first-year running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who recruited Drew,
offered a different outlook on the situation.
"Me and Tyler, we talked," Bieniemy said. "He’s a happy camper.
Obviously every player wants to carry the ball, but he chose this
university for a reason. This is where his home is. Tyler is going
to be a Bruin."
Ebell, along with his father, had also met with coach Karl
Dorrell earlier in the season about playing time issues.
"I’m not letting (Ebell) go anywhere," Bieniemy said, laughing.
"Even if (transferring) did come up, I’ll put him in a headlock and
force him to stay.
"Things haven’t gone Tyler’s way, but one thing that he has done
is be a tremendous warrior for us. He comes to work every single
day. Players like that are going to carry this program into the
future,” said Bieniemy.
HARRISON’S RETURN: With Ebell doubtful, sophomore Jason
Harrison, playing behind Drew and senior Akil Harris, will see some
action during the bowl game at tailback and on special teams. It
will mark the San Jose native’s return from multiple off-season
knee surgeries that resulted from him tearing ligaments during a
kickoff return in last year’s Las Vegas Bowl.
"The mental anguish (Harrison) persevered through speaks for
itself,"
Bieniemy said. "This kid here is just a tremendous workaholic.
I’m happy that he’s healthy and ready to go."
Harrison, however, was said to be coming down with the flu. The
bug also caused Harris, defensive tackle Dave Ball, cornerbacks
Marcus Cassel and Matt Clark and punter Chris Kluwe to sit out
practice in recent days.
MORE INJURIES: Free safety Ben Emanuel has not practiced this
week due to the groin he injured during the USC game. Dorrell said
his chances of playing in the bowl game were "50-50 at
best."
Guard Steven Vieira tweaked his left knee Saturday during an
individual drill and spent the rest of practice on crutches. X-rays
were negative, and Vieira is questionable for the bowl.
TROUBLE BRUIN: Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Alex Potasi
has been suspended indefinitely from the team since the Nov. 15
Oregon game for breaking a team rule. Dorrell did not elaborate on
the nature of the violation but said it was not crime-related.