As UCLA opened its doors last week, the fans and media were able
to see the new-and-improved Bruin football team as it kicked off
its fall camp. Within the confines of Spaulding Field, the crowd
witnessed a bulkier and more self-assured quarterback in Drew
Olson. Physically, the difference is noticeable in Olson, who has
put on 15 pounds this offseason, which as he said, has enabled him
to throw longer more easily. He has also shown an improved presence
on the field. Confident with his capabilities of leading his team,
Olson says he is more comfortable with the complex West Coast
offense and appears ready to head an offense they say has improved.
“He’s a product of everybody,” offensive
coordinator Tom Cable said of Olson. “With everybody
understanding the concept of the system better and staying true to
that, they are not out there ad-libbing or doing their own thing.
That’s why we’re getting more consistency, but
it’s still early, and we’ll have to see how we’re
doing in two weeks.” Behind Olson, the Bruins appear
dangerously thin. Junior transfer David Koral continues to adjust
to the new offense after predominately playing within a shotgun
offense before coming to UCLA. Koral said he has improved
“110 percent” since spring ball but probably is still
far off from being anything besides a backup. Walk-on Brian
Callahan, who is at No. 3 on the quarterback depth chart, appears
to have a good grasp of the offense but has never seen game action
in two years with the program. Freshman Pat Cowan would be the
Bruins’ fourth option. What that means is that the pressure
rests solely on Olson’s shoulders, and the coaches must hope
he remains healthy.
KEEPING TAB: There has yet to be a decision
rendered regarding the fate of wide receiver Tab Perry. Perry, who
was dismissed from the university in the winter due to academic
problems, has been actively trying to return to the team by taking
classes at San Jose State and on the Internet. He is optimistic and
hopeful a decision will come soon, saying he is simply waiting for
his grades at this point. Perry attended practice Wednesday, though
he was relegated to sitting and watching from the bleachers.
CARTER RETURNS: It’s been almost a year
since tight end Keith Carter has been able to practice with the
team. But after the long, excruciating wait, Carter has finally
been able to rejoin the Bruins as an active participant.
“I’ve got a long way to go, but its been really
exciting to be able to get back on the field and do what I’m
doing,” Carter said. “I knew it would be tough, but I
was never going to give up. I was going to do my best and never
wanted to say it wouldn’t happen.” Carter has been out
of commission since spring 2003, when he was injured in a
motorcycle accident. He flirted with a comeback late last season
but was never able to get on the playing field and later was forced
to have a second surgery. He has since made a faster recovery than
expected and hopes to play in UCLA’s home opener Sept. 4
against Oklahoma State. Still, Carter is not 100 percent and only
slowly working himself into gear. “I’m not cautious,
but I’m not out there trying to be crazy, either,”
Carter said. “I’m limited in what I can do.”