In Saturday’s 27-7 win over Arizona, UCLA redshirt junior
cornerback Trey Brown was all over the place, dealing out big hits
and providing pass coverage that created general disruption around
the field.
Just what you’d expect out of one of the experienced
veterans on the UCLA defense.
“Trey has been solid all season long,” coach Karl
Dorrell said. “He’s basically a three-year starter. He
had a couple of big hits in the last game and just shows the
attitude that is built in the defense right now.”
Brown has recorded 17 tackles on the year, including 2.5 for
loss and a sack. He also has two interceptions and has been a
steadying force for an inexperienced secondary. He deflects credit
for some of the defense’s resurgence, saying that most of it
has been due to the attitude change instilled by the new defensive
coaching staff.
“It’s probably the attitude first of all,”
Brown said. “(We’ve) got to have that killer instinct
to go out there and make plays. (There’s the attitude now)
that one of us is going to go out there and make a play, and if
it’s not one of us, it’ll be all of us.”
TAYLOR RECOVERING: Linebacker Christian Taylor,
who sustained a sprained ankle in the first half against Arizona
and did not return, was listed by Dorrell as day-to-day. According
to Dorrell, Taylor felt better Sunday than he did after
Saturday’s game, but he did not say if Taylor would play
against Oregon.
Subbing for Taylor at the middle linebacker position was
sophomore Kyle Bosworth, who finished with five tackles in
Saturday’s game. Overall, Dorrell was impressed by his
play.
“Bosworth did a great job,” Dorrell said. “He
played admirably. He missed a couple of checks, but overall, he
played very well.
“This week, with him getting the majority of the reps
depending on where Christian is, he will be ready.”
WILLIS PROVING IT’S NEVER TOO LATE:
Redshirt senior wide receiver Matt Willis has emerged as a true
threat in his final season. He is second on the team with 13
receptions and is tied for the lead on the team with two
touchdowns, including one against Arizona. The walk-on has taken
advantage of his opportunities in his last season as a Bruin.
“He’s just a great story,” Dorrell said.
“He really has a lot more potential to really be a great
player. It’s unfortunate he’s a senior. He’s got
quick feet and good speed, and he only played one year of high
school. We’re very pleased with what he’s been able to
do up to this point.”
DAVIS STANDING UP: Redshirt junior defensive
end Bruce Davis has been slated as the starting defensive end but
has not been playing a traditional end position. Often seen
standing up on passing downs, Davis has been given some freedom to
drop into coverage as well as roam the line to make sacks at his
unique position.
“Bruce is a very talented athlete,” Dorrell said.
“In previous seasons, he has been used as a linebacker and a
defensive end. In certain packages (we look to use his
talents.)”
Dorrell declined to say specifically how Davis has been used,
likely due to how valuable Davis has been to the defense this year.
Davis has 19 tackles this season, including seven for loss and 4.5
sacks. Along with fellow defensive end Justin Hickman, they have
recorded a total of 11 sacks.
NOTES: Defensive tackle Chase Moline, who
sustained a back injury, is looking to return to practice this
week. … Wide receiver Joe Cowan and cornerback Michael Norris,
both out with PCL tears, still have no real timetable for
return.