On the outside, it would appear there is reason to worry.
That’s because things have just gone from not so good to
worse for UCLA football’s defensive line, the team’s
Achilles heel so far this season. Junior starting defensive tackle
C.J. Niusulu is suspended for Saturday’s game against San
Diego State for violating athletic department policy, and freshman
Kenneth Lombard, a backup at defensive tackle, was described by
coach Karl Dorrell as “very doubtful” for Saturday with
a left shoulder injury. But just because there’s reason to
worry doesn’t mean the Bruins are taking the bait.
“I’m not worried at all,” said senior Eyoseph
Efseaff, who will make his first career start on the defensive line
after playing offensive line during his first three years with the
Bruins. “We’ve been talking about it all the time this
week. Everybody has to step it up now, just one more notch.
That’s all we’ve got to do.” That may be easier
said than done, with the way the defensive line has performed
during the team’s first three games. UCLA has allowed 284
rushing yards per game, 116th of 117 Division I-A teams. But though
there are defensive weaknesses, the team isn’t concerned
about what others have to say. “We’re not paying
attention to criticism,” starting defensive end Justin
Hickman said. “Those people don’t know what
they’re talking about anyway.” It’s clear that
there is some frustration with Niusulu, who started his first game
of the season two weeks ago against Washington after missing time
early after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. In terms of
playing time at the Division I level, he is the most experienced
member of UCLA’s young defensive line. “C.J. made a
mistake that affects not only him, but the entire team,”
Dorrell said. It is unclear what Niusulu did to warrant the
suspension, and federal laws regarding student privacy will keep
that information unknown. Though he will miss the game, Niusulu has
been able to participate at practice and other team activities this
week. And even though Efseaff said Niusulu is irreplaceable, the
senior leader is viewing this as a great chance. “I’m
very excited,” Efseaff said. “That’s basically
why coach Dorrell put me over here, to help the D-line out.
That’s all I want to do. I want to go out, be accountable to
the team, do my best, and make something happen.” Starting
alongside Efseaff and Hickman will be junior Kyle Morgan at tackle
and sophomore Kevin Brown at end, but Dorrell said many more
linemen are expected to see playing time Saturday, including
freshman Chris Joseph, who was recently promoted from the scout
team.
INJURY UPDATE: Senior receiver Tab Perry has
tightness in his left hamstring and was held out of practice
Wednesday. Dorrell said the move was precautionary, and Perry is
expected to play Saturday. Senior linebacker Justin London, who is
still recovering from a high ankle sprain that he reaggravated
against Washington, saw limited participated Wednesday and is
questionable for play against the Aztecs.