It’s the third week of spring practice for the UCLA
football team, but things are just getting started.
Competition is open in all positions, and in advance of this
Saturday’s scrimmage at Drake Stadium, the players are
working harder than ever to impress the new coaches.
One position of emphasis for the Bruins is the wide receiver,
anticipated to be the most experienced and most talented of the
Bruins’ offensive unit next season.
“The pressure is on,” wide receivers coach D.J.
McCarthy said. “We’re expected to be the best unit on
the team this year, and it is up to the guys to live up to that
billing.
“We need to keep up the same offensive firepower we had
last season.”
Expected to lead next year’s receiving class are seniors
Junior Taylor and Joe Cowan, and junior Marcus Everett.
Taylor returns to the Bruins after sitting out the majority of
last season with a torn ACL in his left knee, suffered against
Oklahoma in the third game of the season.
Although he is not expected to participate in spring drills,
Taylor has been working out daily and is expected to return to
full-time drills in May or June.
“I’ve been making good progress,” Taylor said.
“It’s just about keeping up my routine and getting
ready for my ultimate goal of being fully healthy for fall camp in
August.”
Everett and Cowan have been taking Taylor’s place on the
first unit during spring practice. Both know they are a year older
and among the most veteran of the group.
Everett in particular is ready to embrace his new leadership
role.
“With coach McCarthy coming in, everything is up for
grabs,” Everett said. “I know that I have more
experience than a lot of the guys, and it’s my job to set the
example for the younger guys. I have two years under my belt, and
it’s to be expected.”
The other receivers anticipated to compete for playing time next
season are junior Brandon Breazell, sophomore Gavin Ketchum and
incoming freshman standout Terrence Austin.
THE RACE IS ON: Redshirt junior quarterback Pat
Cowan has been improving recently, and coach Karl Dorrell says the
quarterback competition is heating up.
Cowan has been splitting time on the first unit with redshirt
sophomore Ben Olson.
“He is certainly being noticed,” Dorrell said.
“The second offensive unit was really moving the ball well
last weekend, and a lot of that credit has to go to Pat.”