Coming into Thursday’s practice, only half of the number
of possible starting centers were able to participate. By the end,
there were none. Robert Chai, who started eight games as a redshirt
freshman this past season, was carted off the field after injuring
his right knee. He could be out of action for the rest of the
spring. This comes after Mike McCloskey, a starter prior an injury
halfway through the season, continues to sit out this spring while
recovering from both a fractured left ankle (sustained during the
season) and a bronchial infection. With both experienced starters
out of commission, walk-on long snapper Brian Rubinstein took
repetitions with the first string. “It’s been an
incredible journey,” said Rubinstein, a redshirt freshman.
“Last year, I was just a scout guy and now I’m up here
getting looks with the first string.” While Rubinstein has a
good grasp of the offense, he may not see as many reps as he hoped,
with current guard Paul Mociler moving positions to help add depth
to the position, said coach Karl Dorrell. But with this latest
injury, the question of depth and numbers resonates even louder for
the offensive line. With many positions only having two scholarship
players available, even the possibility of another injury is
troubling. Dorrell had already said each starting position on the
offensive line was up for grabs, but it now appears that he and
offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Tom Cable will be
evaluating talent within the non-scholarship players.
BURGESS UPDATE: The trial for UCLA linebacker
Xavier Burgess was postponed Thursday ““ the original trial
date. Both the prosecution and the defense had scheduling
conflicts, and a new trial date was set for May 26, according to
city attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan. Burgess, a freshman, is
charged with five misdemeanors stemming from two separate
altercations with a parking enforcement officer outside of Sproul
Hall. He pleaded not guilty in November. He was also suspended
indefinitely by Dorrell two weeks ago, for breaking an unrelated
team policy.
HARBOUR TO HAVE SURGERY: Defensive end Kevin
Harbour will have to undergo surgery after sustaining a torn
anterior cruciate ligament, Dorrell said. What was originally
considered a minor injury to Harbour during practice Tuesday will
now keep him sidelined for an extended period of time.
SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE: During practice Saturday,
the football team will have its first scrimmage. “It will be
nice to see who’s going to step up,” Dorrell said.
“We’re going to be able to evaluate the guys’
playing ability without the coaching staff barking at
them.”