Over the course of the last year, redshirt senior quarterback Kevin Craft has taken his share of heat for poor play and losing results.
But a little less than 12 months ago, the quarterback had his moment in the sun.
In what may have been his best game as a Bruin, Craft threw for 285 yards with two touchdowns and only one interception against Stanford. He capped the solid day by engineering an 11-play, 87-yard drive, connecting with Cory Harkey for a game-winning touchdown with only 10 seconds remaining.
But Craft, ever the humble diplomat, moved on from the fond memory long ago.
“I know last year we were real excited about the way it went but at the same time, all we can control is this year,” Craft said. “It’s like one of those high school stories ““ like “˜back in the day.'”
Teammates said that this is a new season and a new team, and so, like Craft, they won’t dwell on last year’s win. But coach Rick Neuheisel has chosen to keep remembering.
“I think all good memories are good memories, and you use them any way you can,” Neuheisel said. “Kevin had a good day. As I watched the film, there were lots of opportunities we missed out there. Hopefully he’s even more efficient this year.”
Yet even on one of his best days, Craft gave fans moments to cringe. With a makeshift offensive line protecting him, the quarterback was sacked seven times and threw a number of wobbly passes.
The same was true at Wednesday’s practice. When settled in the pocket, he snapped his throws to receivers within 10 yards and showed great touch lofting the occasional ball on a deep post.
But, when hurried, he danced. Throwing on the run and off balance, he made a number of shaky passes.
Whether the Bruins escape the Bay Area 4-0 rides largely on which Craft shows up on Saturday. In what may be his final game as a starter, with redshirt freshman Kevin Prince recovering and waiting, Craft has one more chance to silence his critics.
“A lot is said about Kevin and all that went down last year but I think Kevin is a good player. He has a lot of leadership and I know a lot of players on the offense look up to him,” Harkey said. “That was just a big drive for him. He didn’t give up.”
A post-practice tribute
Gathered together in the team huddle after practice, repetitious cheers and lots of applause filled the air over Spaulding Field.
The team gave a special tribute to Andra Dellins, the wife of UCLA Sports Information Director Marc Dellins, who often attends football practice and has been receiving radiation treatment for cancer here at UCLA.
The team thanked Andra with a custom-painted game ball from the Bruin’s win over San Diego State.
“She’s an inspiration to our ball club with her toughness,” Neuheisel said.
More Hokey Pokey
The players made their exits to the sounds of the Hokey Pokey for the second consecutive day, another reminder from Neuheisel to go to class. The song only got one play Wednesday, however, as a TV interview forced an abrupt end.