On the first possession of Saturday’s game against Washington, it was a freshman in his first career start who led the Bruins to a touchdown.
Running back Derrick Coleman helped to do what UCLA had failed to do so far this season, kick-starting the offense early by scoring on the first offensive drive.
“I never thought that would happen,” Coleman said. “I knew I was going to do it in the future, but it gave me confidence.”
Coleman racked up 24 yards on four carries on that first drive, leading the way for the rest of the team to re-establish a running attack that has been mostly absent since late September against Fresno State.
“It’s a little late, but better now than never,” freshman tackle Jeff Baca said.
The slow development of the running game has been blamed on inexperience, a lack of strength on the offensive line and injury problems, but one thing remains clear. The game experience that the younger players are getting will only help in the future.
Coleman and Baca are both part of a group of underclassmen that came in this season with no collegiate experience only to get thrown into the fire immediately.
Although the season has not gone how they would have hoped, these young players are gaining valuable game time as the season has progressed, though some weren’t counting on getting any experience at all.
“I went through fall camp and said, “˜I don’t think I’m ready to play,'” Baca said. “I was getting beat and getting frustrated.”
Baca had counted on redshirting this season, but the lack of depth on the offensive line forced him into action as a true freshman. He is now the Bruins’ starting left tackle and carries the heavy responsibility of protecting quarterback Kevin Craft’s blindside.
“When they told me I was going to play, I looked at the other side,” Baca said. “This playing experience is second to none.”
For Coleman, who is second on the team with 49 carries and two rushing touchdowns, the playing time he has received in game situations is invaluable.
“Nothing really beats experience in football,” Coleman said. “If you’ve got college game experience then that shows a lot.”
Coleman has become the top rusher out of the freshman class and will look to compete for the starting job next season.
However, it won’t be an easy job to win with talented young backs like Raymond Carter, Aundre Dean and Milton Knox breathing down his neck. But it is too early to worry about that for Coleman who sees the freshman depth in the backfield as a strength.
“Once we all get experience,” Coleman said, “everybody better watch out.”
BACA GIVES PROPS TO UW: Heading into Saturday’s game, Washington was the only winless team in the country.
They still are, but that does not mean they will not accept a compliment every now and then.
“They got their own issues up there, but they’re the best 0-10 team that there is around,” Baca said. “I know they’re the only 0-10 team, but they’re the best one.”
BIG LEFTY STILL RECOVERING: Redshirt senior quarterback Ben Olson was scheduled to meet with team doctors on Tuesday to review a CT scan taken over the weekend. Olson broke his fifth metatarsal in his right foot in August and has not played this season.
TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN?: After Tuesday’s practice, coach Rick Neuheisel gave the team the option to skip their typically mandatory sprints. They politely accepted.
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