One man’s misfortune is another man’s red carpet.
Joe Cowan has a tear in his knee’s PCL, sidelining
UCLA’s starting flanker for at least two weeks and possibly
well into the season. But Cowan’s injury opens up competition
to a receiving corps that is one of the most talented and deepest
units at coach Karl Dorrell’s disposal. Even if Cowan were
healthy, the return of senior Junior Taylor and the progress of
Brandon Breazell were going to demand the ball be spread around to
a number of hands. Cowan’s injury makes the depth at receiver
that much more important, and gives Taylor and Breazell a chance to
carve a bigger role in this offense. Taylor, who was the No. 1
receiver going into the season in 2005 before blowing out his knee
against Oklahoma, will step into Cowan’s spot as the No. 2
receiver and Breazell will slide to the third slot.
“There’s more weight on my shoulders,” Breazell
said. “I’ll have to step up and be the vet that I am
and help the younger guys learn.” “When Joe went down
it kind of hurt me too,” he said. “I am thankful for
the opportunity, but I want to see Joe out there for his season
year.” Terrence Austin is the wildcard. The Bruins’ top
recruit last year, the freshman is getting looks at punt and
kickoff returns because the coaches want to get the ball in his
hands anyway they can. If Cowan misses the season opener against
Utah on Sept. 2, Austin will see the field in spread offense
formations. “I know Joe’s injury isn’t too
severe, but it gives me a chance to get more reps and get more
familiar with the system,” Austin said.
SHELLER OUT FOR SEASON: An MRI revealed on
Thursday that freshman offensive lineman Sean Sheller partially
tore the MCL in his right knee and will likely be out for the
season. Sheller injured his knee in practice on Wednesday. The
recover time is four to six weeks, and if there isn’t
especially positive news after that, then Sheller will take a
redshirt, Dorrell said. By comparison, Dorrell is much more
encouraged with the chance of recovery for Cowan than Sheller.
Cowan’s knee will be held in a brace to reduce the swelling,
Dorrell said. “These next two weeks are important for
stabilizing and rehabbing,” he said.
KIBBLE BACK: Sophomore safety Robert Kibble,
who watched UCLA’s spring practice from the sideline in a
wheelchair, is back practicing at the start of training camp.
Kibble suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease
that affects the central nervous system. The disease has caused a
number of physical ailments for Kibble, but he has repeatedly
bounced back to remain an active member of the team. “Kibs is
doing well,” Dorrell said. “I am just happy to have him
out there. He’s competing in our second team. He’s got
a chance make an impact. … A great kid to have on the
team.”
EXTRA POINTS: Junior wide receivers Marcus
Everett and Breazell will not return to practice until Sunday.
Everett will be attending his grandfather’s funeral, while
Breazell will be attending his grandmother’s memorial
service. Kai Forbath, one of the top kicker recruits in the country
last year, will likely redshirt the season. He’s been taking
part in punting drills, but Aaron Perez has a lock on the job.
Forbath is expected to take over the place kicking duties for
senior Justin Medlock. Freshman quarterback Osaar Rasshan made a
few dazzling plays in 11-on-11 drills, dancing around the pocket
and finding receivers, after a rough couple of days in practice
when he was having trouble hitting his targets. Kevin Brown, Justin
Hickman and Shannon Tevaga have been named to the Lombardy watch
list.