As a second-stringer, defensive end Bruce Davis didn’t
figure so prominently into UCLA’s plans heading into spring
ball, but after Kevin Harbour tore his anterior cruciate ligament
last week ““ a potentially season-ending injury ““ Davis
is suddenly the favorite to start at defensive end for the Bruins
this upcoming fall. “I understand that my role has changed
within the program with (Kevin’s) injury,” Davis said.
“The coaches have really been getting on me as of late to
take my game to another level. But I know that I’m capable
and ready.” It’s a pressure-packed opportunity.
Succeed, and Davis could find himself on the field at the beginning
of games on Saturdays in the fall. Fail, and there’s Kyle
Morgan, Justin Hickman and Noah Sutherland ready to fill in.
“We’re going to experiment at that position
some,” Dorrell said. “We’re at the halfway point,
so there’s a lot more to go. We’ll see who separates
themselves from the pack. Nothing is etched in stone.” Davis
isn’t the only player using spring injuries as an opportunity
to shine. Safety Jarrad Page’s baseball injury is Eric
McNeal’s football gain. Even a walk-on can play, as Brian
Rubenstein has learned, playing with the first-string offense as
centers Mike McCloskey and Robert Chai are out. “I’m a
little smaller, but I’ve got this opportunity to show what
I’m about,” Rubenstein said.
ANGRY ALUMNUS ON RADIO: Former three-time
All-American linebacker Jerry Robinson expressed his outrage via a
radio phone-call interview on Friday afternoon at a rumor he heard
about incoming freshman Brigham Harwell’s desire to wear the
retired No. 84 while at UCLA. “It’s more than a number
to me,” Robinson said. “I was insulted by the whole
thing. I would love to help UCLA, but the rumor put some distance
between me and (the school).” According to UCLA spokesperson
Marc Dellins, Dorrell was in the midst of preparing a formal letter
to Robinson in which Dorrell would invite Robinson to practice and
introduce himself. Dorrell had informed Harwell that the chances
were unlikely that he would get the number and that it would
ultimately be up to Robinson, but the letter had not reached
Robinson before Robinson heard from other sources. “It was a
minor issue, and the media made it into something bigger than it
really was,” Dorrell said. “I have nothing to comment
about it.”
OLSON ON TONIGHT SHOW: In a promotion for Jay
Leno’s new children’s book, “If Roast Beef Could
Fly,” Drew Olson participated in a throwing contest with
Bruce Jenner. Only instead of throwing a football, Olson had to
chuck a piece of roast beef. Jenner, the gold medalist in the 1976
Olympic decathlon, threw Jay Leno’s book. “It sounded
fun, so I thought I would do it,” Olson said. Olson lost,
heaving the meat 98 yards compared to Jenner’s 125 yards.
A WARE FAMILY AFFAIR: According to reports,
running back and cornerback Aaron Ware, Matt’s younger
brother, committed to UCLA this past weekend after Saturday’s
Junior Day.