There were myriad lost opportunities in UCLA’s loss to
Washington last Saturday, but to defensive coordinator DeWayne
Walker, there was one missed opportunity that especially stood out:
cornerback Rodney Van’s missed tackle against wide receiver
Quintin Daniels on third down and 11 late in the second
quarter.
The costly missed tackle kept the Huskies’ drive alive and
eventually led to their first touchdown, cutting the Bruins’
lead to 16-7.
As a result of that play and an overall subpar performance by
Van the junior cornerback’s starting spot was up for grabs
this week. Ultimately, Van won it back.
“I made a few miscues and didn’t play up to my level
of performance,” Van said. “Coach Walker has given me
the benefit of the doubt to let me compete for the spot, and trust
me, I’m going to earn it.”
Van admitted during practice this week that he hasn’t
always been the most determined practice player, and recognized he
could use a little competition.
“Competition is always a good thing,” Van said.
“(The competition) is going to make me change my practice
habits, and that will only make me a better player.”
Van, who spent his first two years primarily as a reserve and
special teams player, is currently fifth for the Bruins with 9
tackles, but his loss might be the Bruins’ gain.
Van’s main competitor, Verner, has surprised the Bruins
with 13 tackles and one interception this season, and has been one
of the most impressive freshmen by far.
“If the team needs me to start, I’m ready,”
Verner said. “I respect Rodney, and know both of us are going
to get our chances, but I just want to be out on the field and
play.”
The cornerbacks likely won’t be tested much this week
against Stanford, whose top two wide receivers, Evan Moore and Mark
Bradford, are both injured, but the two cornerbacks will surely be
needed against the rest of the Pac-10 competition.
“I’ve got to keep coaching (Van) up, but you also
want to create competition where you see it’s needed,”
Walker said after Saturday’s game. “I love the kid, but
I’m going to make him compete if that’s going to make
him better.
“We need him, so (I’ll do) whatever I’ve got
to do to light a fire.”
MANNING SERVED: Former UCLA cornerback Ricky
Manning Jr. pleaded no contest to assault on Tuesday, stemming from
an incident in early February when he and former UCLA players Tyler
Ebell and Maurice Drew were arrested for assault against a man
outside of Denny’s restaurant in Westwood.
Manning was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to
attend a year of anger management counseling, the district
attorney’s office said.
He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community
service.
Charges against Drew and Ebell were dropped earlier this
year.
OLSON IMPROVING: Despite his decrease in
statistical productivity, coach Karl Dorrell feels that quarterback
Ben Olson is improving with each game.
Olson finished the Washington game 18-for-32, with 135 yards and
two interceptions.
“He’s a young quarterback that’s gaining
experience,” Dorrell said. “He’s going to get
better and better. He’s realizing certain things every
week.”
Olson should have a better performance against Stanford, which
last in the Pac-10 in nearly every defensive category.
EXTRA POINTS: Defensive end William Snead, a
redshirt junior, has been tried out at tight end in an effort to
get more playing time. Cornerback Michael Norris (knee) and
defensive tackle Chase Moline (back spasms) both missed practice
this week and are game-time decisions for Saturday.