Through much of UCLA’s training camp, there was growing
optimism that the return of a healthy Kevin Brown would provide the
Bruins with a run stuffer. As it turns out, Brown, a redshirt
junior who missed all of last season with a broken ankle, will not
be tackling the same role he assumed as a sophomore in 2004.
Kenneth Lombard will be the starting nose tackle for the season
opener against Utah on Saturday instead of Brown, playing alongside
defensive tackle Brigham Harwell. Although Lombard had entered camp
as the No.1 nose tackle, ahead of Brown on the depth chart, it was
speculated that Brown would regain the starting job and have an
opportunity to be the dominant player he was showing signs of
becoming prior to his ankle injury in 2005. But when the official
depth charts for the first game were announced on Monday, Lombard
was ahead of Brown. UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said that the decision
was a referendum on Lombard’s strong play, and not lingering
questions about Brown’s health. In fact, Dorrell stated that
Brown would now have an opportunity to shuffle around the line and
play both tackle spots. “(Lombard) has been very
productive,” Dorrell said. “He is a guy who can play
any position on the defensive line, both ends and both tackle
positions; he’s our most versatile player with a great
motor.” Lombard is excited for the chance to disprove the
critics’ belief that at 6’1″ and 260 pounds he is
too small to stop the run in the Pac-10. “Brigham, Chase
(Moline) and Kevin all have a lot of experience so I knew coming
into camp I was going to have to work really hard to maintain my
spot,” Lombard said. “In spring, Brigham was really
limited and Kevin didn’t play at all so I knew I had to prove
something in camp. “I felt a little more pressure this year.
It’s different as a starter because you feel that push every
day. When somebody else makes a big play, you are watching and feel
like you have to do the same.” For Brown, it’s a
disappointment to know that he is fully recovered and in good
condition but still couldn’t overtake Lombard for the top
spot. But UCLA regularly rotates players in on the line, and he
knows it’s just a matter of time before he gets a chance to
show whether he should be the guy. “I didn’t feel any
envy toward anyone,” Brown said. “I know everybody
worked hard, so it’s okay. I’m back as much as I think
I should be, I’m able, and I can’t wait for that first
game and get that game experience.” CARTER HOLDS
IT: Redshirt freshman Reggie Carter has also been named
the starting weak side linebacker for the season opener, holding
off competition from senior Eric McNeal to be the only starting
freshman on either side of the ball. Carter had an impressive camp,
showcasing a brand of speed and playmaking ability that
hadn’t exactly been the staple of UCLA defense in 2005.
Carter and McNeal had been rotating in with the first and second
units, but Carter was elevated to the first team two days before
the Aug. 20 intrasquad scrimmage and held on to the job ever since.
“I had a pretty good camp, it could always be better. I made
enough plays to get the job. You always want to make plays. I take
pride in that and hope to continue it,” Carter said.
TIGHT END STILL OPEN: Logan Paulsen has been
named the starting tight end against Utah on Saturday, but Dorrell
conceded that anyone’s playing time at the position is far
from secure. Paulsen, a sophomore, was elevated to starter after
senior J.J Hair and Ryan Moya missed parts of camp with leg
injuries. Hair participated in limited drills on Monday while Moya
has returned to play. Hair is mostly a blocking specialist whose
role won’t alter much, and the Bruins will use Paulsen and
Moya for more passing formations. “It’s still kind of
up for grabs,” Dorrell said. “Logan Paulsen has been
the last man standing the whole camp and he’s done well. Ryan
Moya is getting back into the flow of things, and he’s the
most skillful one we have. (Moya’s) hamstring looks to be
fine and we’ll get him into the game on Saturday and see if
he can make some plays for us.”