Author Archives: Adam de Jong

“Alright, I’m ready, let’s get started.” Ben Olson, in his typical boisterous-yet-easy tone, was ready to start his interview. It was the answer to just one of a constellation of questions and implications facing the young man who has been anointed as the “˜left-handed John Elway’ and the “˜savior of UCLA football’, as well as […]

UCLA’s success in the red zone in 2005, when the Bruins led the country in scoring efficiency within the 20-yard line, was protected and nurtured by an experienced front line. With three starters gone from the unit, the Bruins are trying out a different formula. Gone are center Mike McCloskey, guard Robert Cleary and tackle […]

Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker runs back and forth on the UCLA Intramural Field during training camp on Saturday, chirping at his cornerbacks during a one-on-one drill against the wide receivers. Wide receiver Junior Taylor shakes off bump-and-run coverage from cornerback Michael Norris, and catches a perfect strike in the end zone. “Hey, Junior, nice job,” […]

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 […]

Two of the longest-serving members of the UCLA athletic department shifted roles last week as part of a series of changes that are reshuffling different sections of the department. Ed Kezirian was named the associate director of athletics for academic and student services last week. Kezirian, who is in his 27th year at UCLA and […]

It didn’t matter how many anxious coaches were opening up their first training camp with the team or which players were showing the rust of an offseason, all eyes and expectations were fixated on the left arm of Ben Olson On the first day of training camp for the UCLA football team on Monday afternoon, […]