It’s like fall camp all over again.
In fact, in some ways, it’s like 2008 all over again.
The Bruins are again searching for their starting quarterback.
The difference is that this year, the starter who got injured is redshirt freshman Kevin Prince, this time the team is 2-0, and this weekend UCLA plays Kansas State ““ a team that fell to Louisiana-Lafayette 17-15 last weekend.
Coach Rick Neuheisel is in absolutely no hurry to name a starter.
“We’ll make the determination here as the week goes on, but I would not be surprised if we played both,” Neuheisel said.
“I want to continue to roll it around in my head ““ a vast, empty wasteland. I think we could make a choice, but I don’t know that we have to. Both kids are growing as they’re competing. As soon as you call off the jam and the competition, you may call off the jam and the improvement.”
Neuheisel’s options could not be more dichotomous ““ on paper.
Richard Brehaut remains a true freshman whose only college experience were a few meaningless snaps against San Diego State. Kevin Craft is now a redshirt senior who started every game for the Bruins last year.
But most pundits give Brehaut the edge, perhaps because the image of Neuheisel chewing out Craft on the sidelines still resonates. On the team’s way to a disappointing 4-8 season, Craft threw a school record 20 interceptions and heard relentless boos.
But Neuheisel praised Craft for his ability to manage game-winning drives last season in wins against Tennessee and Stanford. Offensive coordinator Norm Chow is a fan of Craft’s experience.
“He’s a year older and a year wiser and he understands the offense better,” Chow said. “It wasn’t all Kevin last year. People are blaming Kevin for a lot of things. It’s not necessarily Kevin.”
Craft for his part, is moving on.
“I don’t feel like I need to redeem myself for anything,” Craft said. “We all know what happened last year and we all know why. I don’t think anyone is worried about last year anymore. We know what happened last year; it doesn’t sit well with us.”
Brehaut arrived in time to participate in UCLA’s Spring Practice and was largely considered to be the No. 2 at that time. Neuheisel’s decision to use him against SDSU means the freshman can no longer redshirt, which is just fine considering the Bruins’ present problematic quarterback situation.
“That definitely helped a lot, just getting out there and feeling what it was like,” Brehaut said. “It wasn’t that many plays, so I can’t say it fully prepared me for this, but it definitely helped get the jitters off a little bit.”
Chow, who has experience tutoring great young quarterbacks, issued praise for the freshman.
“I think he’s very athletic,” Chow said. “I think he’s a very willing guy. He works real hard. He’s going to be a good player. It’s just that we have to hurry the process up.”
The two quarterbacks have split reps with the first team fairly evenly, with Brehaut getting more reps on Tuesday and Craft more on Wednesday. Both are adamant that they will continue to prepare the same way regardless of whether they are tabbed the starter.
Neuheisel said that a final decision may not come prior to Saturday.
Guerrero on Brand
UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero issued a statement Wednesday regarding the passing of NCAA President Myles Brand.
“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Myles Brand,” Guerrero said. “This is a tremendous loss for higher education as well as the athletics and sports community. Myles was a true inspiration, a tireless and dedicated professional with a constant, energetic and positive presence at the NCAA.
“On a personal level I am especially grateful to him for his willingness to provide me with the opportunity to serve our association in a leadership capacity on several NCAA committees and initiatives. In Myles, I saw a bold and visionary leader and an individual deeply committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience during his time as president. His legacy will be remembered as such. My heart goes out to Myles’ family during this time.”
Quick hits
Neuheisel called redshirt junior tailback Christian Ramirez “questionable at best” for Saturday’s game. He listed redshirt senior wide receiver Gavin Ketchum also as questionable, but “a hair ahead” of Ramirez”¦. Redshirt sophomore center Kai Maiava suffered from a tight back but should be ready for Saturday. “¦ Freshman Sheldon Price is expected to fill the starting cornerback spot vacated by redshirt sophomore Courtney Viney who was suspended earlier this week.