After suffering a concussion and seizure-like symptoms following a big hit in the Cal game, UCLA linebacker Christian Taylor is out of the hospital and feeling better.
The senior from Salinas collided with California running back Justin Forsett in the fourth quarter of the Bruin win Saturday. He spent an hour at Huntington Memorial Hospital after the game and is now listed as day-to-day.
“Christian desires to play very badly,” coach Karl Dorrell said. “But we want to monitor him and make sure that the doctors can do all the precautionary measures.”
Taylor has started all seven of the Bruins’ games this season, tallying 29 tackles, with seven for a loss.
Unfortunately for UCLA (5-2, 4-0 Pac-10), he is just one of several defenders dealing with injuries.
Dorrell called the knee sprain suffered by defensive lineman Jess Ward “the most serious.” Ward had an MRI performed on that knee Monday.
Another defensive lineman, Jerzy Siewierski, suffered a shoulder injury against Cal (5-2, 2-2). Dorrell said that Siewierski is fine and that he will not miss any practice this week.
Defensive end Brigham Harwell will also practice this week after sitting out the Cal game with an MCL tear in his left knee.
BRUINS FOCUSED: After a big win last week, UCLA is concentrated on maintaining focus this week as it prepares for Washington State (2-5, 0-4).
The Cougars beat the Bruins last year at the Rose Bowl, 37-15.
“I don’t think anything is a gimme this year in college football,” Dorrell said. “We’re going to attack this game.”
Washington State is led by quarterback Alex Brink, who has already thrown for 2,079 yards on the season.
Martin Stadium is also known as a difficult venue for visiting teams.
“Their fans are great up there,” safety Dennis Keyes said. “There’s just something about being in Pullman ““ it’s hard to go up there and play great football.”
FORBATH IMPRESSES: Redshirt freshman placekicker Kai Forbath has made quite an impression on the UCLA coaching staff. He made all three of the field goals he attempted in the Cal game, and so far this season he is 15 of 18 on field goals. He also leads the team with 66 points.
At Monday’s press conference, Dorrell compared Forbath to former UCLA All-American kicker Justin Medlock.
“Kai is a very talented kicker,” Dorrell said. “He’s probably a little ahead of where Justin was his redshirt freshman year.”
Forbath’s poise under pressure has also pleased Dorrell.
“Kai is pretty mild-mannered,” Dorrell said. “He doesn’t let things get to him, and he thrives on the pressure situations.”
Dorrell also suggested that Forbath could handle the kickoff duties for the Bruins later in his career.
That job is currently held by redshirt junior Jimmy Rotstein. Rotstein is averaging 60 yards per kick this season.
RUNNING BACK OPTIONS: Last week against Cal, running back Kahlil Bell carried the bulk of the load for the Bruins.
The junior finished with 142 yards on 22 carries. Senior Chris Markey was limited to just two carries because of a turf toe injury.
Dorrell said the Bruins hope to use Markey more next week against Washington State.
UCLA used two other running backs against Cal, sophomores Chane Moline and Christian Ramirez. Moline received eight carries and Ramirez received five.
Ramirez fumbled in the second quarter and didn’t carry the ball after that. But Dorrell said Ramirez will play again.
“We still will use Christian,” Dorrell said. “We haven’t lost confidence in what he can do for us.”