Former Bruin wide receiver Tab Perry’s plans to return to
UCLA are still up in the air, and any type of decision on
Perry’s future could still be several weeks away, coach Karl
Dorrell said Wednesday. Perry, who was dismissed from the
university in winter due to academic problems, has been actively
trying to return this summer by taking classes at San Jose State
and online. While Dorrell could not give a timetable on a decision,
he did say Perry would be welcomed back to the team. “If he
could find a way to get his eligibility back, we would like to have
him back,” Dorrell said. “But it’s a pretty
complicated process.” For Perry to be allowed to return, he
would need a GPA of at least 3.0 for two consecutive quarters. He
has one year of eligibility left, and once this week’s summer
session finals are over at UCLA (where Perry has also been taking
classes), the coaching staff will have a better grasp on his
academic standing. But the Bruins would certainly like to entertain
the idea of a Perry return, which would add another veteran
receiver to complement Craig Bragg. Though Perry was forced to sit
out the 2003 season, in 2002 he caught 35 passes for 698 yards.
CARTER ALMOST HEALED: Â After sitting out
last season with a hip injury, junior tight end Keith Carter should
be ready to participate in fall camp which begins on Aug. 11.
“He’s running and conditioning and will practice
some,” Dorrell said. “The doctors think he can help us
on a limited basis.” Carter has been out of commission since
spring 2003 when he was injured in a motorcycle accident. His
return would be another bonus for the Bruins, who were not sure
whether he would ever be able to play again.
SPECIAL TEAMS CHANGE: Dorrell announced outside
linebacker coach Brian Schneider will also take charge of all
special teams. Last season running backs coach Eric Bieniemy,
then-offensive line coach Mark Weber and Schneider split the
special teams duty. While Schneider will now oversee all facets of
the unit, Bieniemy will still help with the kickoff team.
INJURY UPDATE: The Bruins will be relatively
healthy when they begin their summer practices. Defensive end Kevin
Habour is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior
cruciate ligament he sustained during spring practice. Dorrell said
he could resume playing as early as Oct. 2 when UCLA plays San
Diego State. Tight end Matt Raney could have a hernia, but his
status is still unknown. Jebiaus Brown has a dislocated thumb but
has been cleared to participate in practice. Wide receiver Junior
Taylor is close to 100 percent after having surgery on his hernia
last spring. Dorrell said that while Taylor is not at full strength
yet, he’s close.