He might make the biggest impact this season for a person you
have never heard of. At least that’s what UCLA coach Karl
Dorrell feels. That is the impression that freshman cornerback
Alterraun Verner has made on his coaches and fellow teammates
during the first few days of football training camp. “Wow,
did he make some plays today,” Dorrell exclaimed. “He
has the ability to be a special player. He can return punts, play
corner, and a little wide receiver. “He can play anywhere we
need him.” Verner was a multi-talented athlete at Mayfair
High School in Carson, playing on both sides of the ball at
receiver and cornerback. For right now, Verner is just happy to be
out on the field and competing for the cornerback position.
“That is where coach needs me, and that is where I will
play,” Verner said. “I’m just trying to compete
and make an impression on the coaches. “As long I go out
there and prove myself, the playing time will come.” Verner,
ranked a three-star athlete by scout.com, moved to the UCLA campus
in late June and has been taking summer classes as well as working
out with the other freshmen. Being able to get ahead in school and
getting acclimated to the campus has been a great thing, said
Verner, who plans to be a math or applied sciences major.
“It’s definitely hard juggling school and football, but
taking summer classes will definitely help me out,” Verner
said. “Also moving in early, I got to meet a lot of the
freshmen and get used to living in the dorms.” At the
cornerback position, Verner is competing with juniors Trey Brown,
Michael Norris and Rodney Van. The lack of depth at the position is
giving Verner a chance to prove himself right away.
“It’s great to have him out there pushing the older
guys, because they need it,” Dorrell said. “Camp is all
about competition and that is what Verner provides.” After
just two days, it looks like Verner has a promising future ahead of
him in the UCLA football program.
TAYLOR IMPROVING: Redshirt senior receiver
Junior Taylor, who missed the majority of last season because of a
right knee injury, has only been in camp for two days, and he can
already feel his knee improving, “There is no swelling, and I
can continue to put some more pressure on it,” Taylor said.
“I took a few good hits today, and there was no real effect
afterward, so that is a good sign.” However, Taylor said he
is still a little ways off from being fully recovered.
OLSON CHECKS IN: Sophomore quarterback Ben
Olson ran some more plays in the Bruin offense on Tuesday and had
mixed results, with the receivers dropping passes and having a
little miscommunication with Olson. “It’s just the
first two days,” Olson said. “We’re all still
getting in rhythm with each other, and we’ll be fine.”
Olson did, however, have some deep throws and connects with his
veteran wide receivers. “For myself, personally, the
beginning of camp is a night and day difference from where I was
last year,” Olson said. “But there is always room for
improvement.” Olson will certainly have that time for
improvement as there are still 27 practices remaining before the
season opener against Utah.