Even after re-aggravating a foot injury Monday, UCLA’s top
running back Maurice Drew will be able to play Saturday against
USC, coach Karl Dorrell said Thursday. The status of Drew has been
questionable for several weeks now. After injuring his right ankle
during the Bruins’ loss against Washington State last month,
Drew was held out of most of the practices during UCLA’s
back-to-back bye weeks. However, he looked to be on the path toward
recovery until re-aggravating the injury earlier this week. He did
not practice Tuesday or Wednesday, after which Dorrell said he was
unsure of Drew’s status. But Drew was able to get enough reps
in Thursday to secure playing time against the Trojans.
“Maurice did some good things today,” Dorrell said.
“He looked a lot better than I thought he would be.”
Dorrell had said Wednesday that if Drew couldn’t practice
Thursday, he would likely not play. But while Thursday’s reps
were limited for the sophomore, Dorrell was still pleased.
“We didn’t want to be overzealous today and have him do
to much,” Dorrell said. “He did enough to keep us
thinking he will have a great chance to help us Saturday.”
Still, Dorrell said Drew will not start nor be participating in
kick-offs, meaning his playing time will be exclusively in the
backfield. Drew is ranked No. 13 in the nation and third in the
Pac-10 in all-purpose yards at 159.56 per game, and ranks No. 24 in
the country and third in the Pac-10 in rushing at 98.44 yards per
game.
CAN WE PLAY YET?: After the unusual double-bye
week situation the Bruins found themselves in, Dorrell said
he’s happy his team is finally getting close to game time.
“It’s been a little long, we’re ready to
play,” Dorrell said. “The great thing about it was that
we did have a chance to get some guys back to health, so
we’re better from that standpoint. “But it’s time
to play.”
ODDS AND ENDS: Dorrell said receiver Craig
Bragg will have all punt return duties while receiver Tab Perry and
running back Chris Markey will handle kick-off returns. … A large
corps of Bruin football alumni were at Spaulding Field,
UCLA’s practice facility, to watch practice before
UCLA’s bonfire Thursday. … Saturday’s game will also
be Senior Day with 14 Bruins playing their last regular season
game.