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TE
Marcedes Lewis |
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2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Karl Dorrell
12-13,
21 yearS |
2004
Record: 6-6 |
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OKLAHOMA
STATE |
LOST
20-31 |
at
Illinois |
WON
35-17 |
at
Washington |
WON
37-31 |
SAN
DIEGO STATE |
WON
33-10 |
ARIZONA |
WON
37-17 |
at
California |
LOST
28-45 |
at
Arizona State |
LOST
42-48 |
STANFORD |
WON
21-0 |
WASHINGTON
STATE |
LOST
29-31 |
at
Oregon |
WON
34-26 |
SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA |
LOST
24-29 |
LAS
VEGAS BOWL |
vs.
Wyoming |
LOST
21-24 |
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2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
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2005
Outlook |
It's
a tough time to be a Bruin. Coach
Dorrell has found out how hard it
is to recruit in LA against the powerhouse-du-jour,
USC. Fortunately, the Trojans now
allow UCLA to fly under any radar.
Subdued expectations will help the
defense sneak up on Pac-10 opponents
used to scoring 40+ points on the
Bruins without breaking a sweat. Fans
won't see the Rose Bowl's own version
of the Steel Curtain, but this unit
won't be losing games outright as
in '04. Defensive coordinator Larry
Kerr has employed simpler schemes
and even more eight-man fronts so
the line can focus on getting a deep
push into the backfield. Thus far
in spring practice, the experiment
has worked, revitalizing a defense
that has built off late-season improvements
in tackling and shedding blocks.
While
the recent recruiting class was by
no means stellar, impact players like
Ben Olson and OL Aleksey Lanis should
quickly help what is a significantly
deeper and more experienced squad
(than '04s). Unfortunately, the offense
won't be single-handedly winning them
again either. As maligned as he's
been, Blue & Gold faithful will
miss Drew Olson if he's not 100% this
fall. Dorrell will employ an effective
short-passing game and plenty of carries
for Maurice Drew, but that relies
on taking shots deep which will be
a challenge considering the attention
Junior Taylor will draw. Offensive
weapons like Drew and Lewis are there,
but with such inconsistent QB play
this spring, it's hard to imagine
a hobbled Drew Olson or an inexperienced
Ben Olson fully utilizing them.
The
hope is that greater familiarity with
Dorrell's system will pay dividends,
as it routinely does once a coach
is established at a program (see:
Pete Carroll). Added experience will
help in tough games against BCS mainstays
Oklahoma and USC, as will the fact
that UCLA only leaves southern California
three times all year. 17 returning
starters and a more opportunistic
defense will translate to better performances
in close games (last four losses were
by a combined 16pts). Ergo, they will
win one they shouldn't, and lose one
he same way; however, these doin',
stewin' Bruins still appear to be
a year away from any national splash.
Projected
2005 record: 7-4
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UCLA
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 2.5 |
RB
- 4 |
LB
- 3.5 |
WR
- 3.5 |
DB
- 3 |
OL
- 4 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Drew Olson, 341-196-13, 2565 yds.,
20 TD
Rushing: Maurice Drew, 160
att., 1007 yds., 8 TD
Receiving: Junior Taylor, 32
rec., 463 yds., 2 TD
Scoring: Justin Medlock, 15-20
FG, 42-43 PAT, 87 pts.
Punting: None
Kicking: Justin Medlock, 15-20
FG, 42-43 PAT, 87 pts.
Tackles: Spencer Havner, 125
tot., 84 solo
Sacks: Kevin Brown, 5 sacks
Interceptions: Jarrad Page,
3 for 20 yds.
Kickoff returns: Chris Markey,
18 ret., 22.2 avg., 0 TD
Punt returns: Maurice Drew,
10 ret., 15.2 avg., 1 TD
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DB
Jarrad Page |
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UCLA |
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OFFENSE
- 8 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 8 |
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KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Manuel White-FB/TB, Craig Bragg-WR,
Tab Perry-WR, Paul Mociler-OT, Steven
Vieira-OG/OT |
DEFENSE:
Eyoseph
Efseaff-DT, Benjamin Lorier-ILB, Matt
Clark-CB, Ben Emanuel-FS, Chris Kluwe-P,
C.J.
Niusulu-DT (dismissed) |
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2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Tinseltown has a new pair of Olson twins
to gossip about. Drew and Ben Olson aren't
actually related, but their quarterback
dual should cause a stir in Westwood. Drew
is the senior who returns after one of the
better QB seasons at UCLA in years, finishing
4th in the Pac-10 with a 132.39 efficiency,
including eight TD passes in a two game
stretch. Yet, both consistency and injury
put his starter status in jeopardy. As great
a leader as he's proven to be, his nine
INTs in four of UCLA's losses gave Bruin
fans reason to doubt him, especially as
he recovers from major knee surgery. Without
any spring reps, Drew's strengths - field
vision and accuracy - will be rusty come
fall, opening the door for BYU-transfer
Ben Olson. Expected to be a savior at QBU,
Olson instead chose a two-year mission before
transferring closer to home. However, even
being away from competitive football since
2001 hasn't prevented Bruin fans from placing
much hope in the ex-national top prep player
in America. The lefty has plenty of zip
on his passes, but expect struggles. Early
spring reports validate concerns at QB:
senior David Koral, who filled in admirably
in the Las Vegas bowl (7-12, 2TD's), has
looked shaky as well. If healthy, Drew starts
this fall; but even that won't prevent the
ballyhooed Ben Olson from taking the job
mid-season.
Running
Back
Despite missing three games with an ankle
injury, Maurice Drew became only the tenth
Bruin to eclipse 1,000yds rushing, cementing
himself as the answer for many (QB) questions
on offense. The junior stands only 5'8"
but his low-center of gravity and dazzling
speed makes him as dangerous a playmaker
as there is in the nation. His 384 all-purpose
yards at Washington was a testament to his
versatility; on punts, kickoffs and even
receiving (14.6 yards per his 18 receptions),
Drew does it all. Fortunately, the game-breaking
potential of TB Chris Markey means he won't
have to. Like Drew, the sophomore Markey
was a prep-all-American and can turn the
corner quicker on anyone. Though the Bruins
would love a big body in the backfield,
Markey's long TD runs this spring won't
inspire any sympathy for UCLA's coaches.
At 232lbs, FB Michael Pitre is the only
bruiser; the returning starter's not only
an effective blocker, he exhibited surprising
receiving skills (10rec, TD). The unit won't
run over people in the red zone, but Drew
& co. are electric.
Receiver
Graduation hits the receiving corps hard,
leaving UCLA fans muttering "potential"
about its '05 WRs. The best bet is Junior
Taylor, who despite being Drew Olson's "third
wheel," still finished in the Pac-10's
top 20 (ypg). Junior's a senior (who's experienced)
at running tight routes. His game-speed
has always exceeded his 40 times, evident
on his sublime 83yd catch-and-run TD vs.
Oregon and his playmaking ability on reverses.
He'll make the tough catches and serve as
a vocal leader for a trio of underclassmen.
Lanky Joe Cowan (6'4") reminds Bruin
faithful of standout Danny Farmer with solid
hands and the ability to haul in high, deep
passes. Sophomores Marcus Everett and Brandon
Breazell will benefit from starting as freshman
but they need to bulk up to be any difference-makers.
Enough reps to fine-tune its timing, along
with 1,000yds from Taylor, will make this
unit reach its modest potential.
Offensive
Line and Tight End
The offensive turnaround for the Bruins
began with a phenomenal season up front.
The unit was the only one in the Pac-10
to allow fewer than two sacks per game,
all while paving the way for the conference's
second best rushing average (4.8ypc). They
more than doubled the '03 rushing output
(also went from 114th out of 117 teams all
the way to 27th), thanks to blocking schemes
that focus on strong and weak, rather than
left or right, sides. An experienced group
is back to improve on their impressive numbers
led by three RS seniors. C Mike McCloskey
is an agile bigman among the best centers
in the country; he'll be first team All-Pac-10.
Monster T Ed Blanton contrasts McCloskey
with physicality (6'9, 345) reminiscent
of ex-Bruin Jonathan Ogden. He'll blow open
holes on the strong side while freshman
all-American Shannon Tevaga well solidifies
the guard spot. The depth and experience
on the line is only heightened by the return
of (NC.net third-team all-American) TE Mercedes
Lewis. The Mackey Award finalist will get
plenty of looks as the only proven receiving
target. 25 of the senior's 32 catches went
for first downs, showing he's not only strong
and sure-handed: when needed, he wants to
and will make the key play - great leadership
qualities that will ooze off him and onto
others.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The improvements were astonishing. Coach
Karl Dorrell took an anemic Bruins attack
and made it multi-dimensional. Their numbers
of 410yds-per-game and 30.1ppg were the
program's best since 1998. Returning seven
starters - stars like Drew, Lewis and McCloskey
- means there's reason we expect similar
production. The key is finding out which
QB is most adept at running Dorrell's West
Coast offense. Drew Olson deserves a shot
to re-prove/establish himself after the
injury; however, his limited progress leaves
his effectiveness in doubt. Ben Olson has
turned the ball over and struggled on roll-outs
in spring, but he's got so much potential
that coaches will do whatever they can to
get him to understand the offense. Losing
threats at WR means Taylor must/will step
up. The line's so solid that whoever's under
center will have time to throw downfield.
Considering a healthy Maurice Drew isn't
far off from the Trojans' Reggie Bush in
terms of explosiveness, the Bruins have
enough to remain among the Pac-10's offensive
best; particularly if they continue to not
settle for FGs in the red-zone (league-low
eight) and improve on their weak (-7, ranked
98th) TO-margin.
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RB
Maurice Drew
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UCLA
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Drew
Olson-Sr (6-3, 217) |
David
Koral-Sr (6-3, 218) |
FB |
Michael
Pitre-So (5-11, 232) |
Jimmy
Stephens-So (6-2, 235) |
TB |
Maurice
Drew-Jr (5-8, 198) |
Chris
Markey-So (5-11, 195) |
WR |
Junior
Taylor-Sr (6-1, 198) |
Marcus
Everett-So (6-1, 186) |
WR |
Joe
Cowan-Jr (6-4, 211) |
Brandon
Breazell-So (6-0, 154) |
TE |
Marcedes
Lewis-Sr (6-6, 255) |
J.J.
Hair-Jr (6-5, 242) |
OT |
Brian
Abraham-So (6-6, 279) |
Chris
Joseph-So (6-4, 267) |
OG |
Shannon
Tevaga-So (6-3, 303) |
Scott
Glicksberg-Fr (6-4, 263) |
C |
Mike
McCloskey-Sr (6-5, 274) |
Aaron
Meyer-Fr (6-3, 285) |
OG |
Robert
Cleary-Sr (6-7, 299) |
Robert
Chai-Jr (6-3, 275) |
OT |
Ed
Blanton-Sr (6-9, 345) |
Tony
Lee-Fr (6-4, 247) |
K |
Justin
Medlock-Jr (6-0, 185) |
.. |
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2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
It's clear the Bruins took last year's defensive
debacle personally. The line has scuffled
constantly with the offense in practice,
an indication that a renewed toughness will
prevent them from again being walked all
over. UCLA had so many d-line holes to fill
that it's no surprise they were the Pac-10's
worst at generating pressure (league low
20 sacks). Fortunately, the baptismal by
fire earned experience for a young line
that has 30+ starts among the two-deep,
as opposed to zero entering '04. Back from
a stint at OG, Kevin Brown proved to be
the most active d-lineman, racking up a
team-high 8.5 TFLs. He has the body of a
NG, but too has the quick first step needed
in a DE, and the power of an o-lineman;
he'll lead the Bruins in sacks again. Versatile
JOCO-transfer Kyle Morgan is a physical
end to complement the inside play of DT
C.J. Niusulu, an aggressive senior whose
status is uncertain due to suspension. The
unit's athletic and deep, but despite late
season improvements, this front still has
a ways to go. Sophomore Brigham Harwell
has tremendous upside; nevertheless, like
most of this line, he's only average size.
Expect them to allow about half of lat campaign's
210 yards per game average on the ground.
Linebacker
The backbone of the Bruins' 4-3 defense
will be in familiar hands. Three seniors
compose a frightening LB corps, led by NC.net
first-team all-American Spencer Havner.
The Pac-10's leader in tackles (125) moved
to MLB where his ball-hawking abilities
were fully utilized, breaking up plays in
the backfield and dropping into coverage
to make critical INTs (of his eight career
INTs, three have been scores). Throw in
a couple blocked FGs and you have a dynamic
leader who does everything. Havner's surrounded
by two tough-as-nails LB's who both battled
injuries and finished equal (57 tackles).
Justin London lacks the size of Havner,
but has blazing speed when healthy; Wesley
Walker is a consistent tackler who won't
make mistakes. The biggest worry (and advantage
for development) is that all three will
miss the spring recovering from surgeries.
Healthy, this unit rivals any in America;
Havner will likely be a Butkus Award finalist.
Any injuries, though, would expose their
lack of proven depth. All Pac-10 freshman
Aaron Whittington will step up in their
absences, but UCLA needs the big three on
the field or the unit is initially a liability.
Defensive
Back
With the Bruins' top CB and FS departing,
the young secondary appears vulnerable.
The battles at the wide-open DB spots have
been intense, with Rodney Van drawing early
praise. Only a sophomore, Van has size to
match-up one-on-one, while RS sophomore
Trey Brown benefits from starting the final
five games. Brown played smart, but often
too safe; coaches would like to see him
take more chances as he did on his INT TD
at Oregon. The most experienced DB is Jarrad
Page, an honorable mention all-Pac-10 at
SS. A punishing hitter, the four-year starter
misses out on spring reps every year because
of baseball but never fails to impress come
fall. Expect a monster year from this leader
of the secondary who forced more TOs than
any Bruin. Former special teamer Mil'Von
James has wowed coaches at FS in practice
and consistent Marcus Cassel has the RCB
job, for now. Expect starters to fluctuate
on a maturing group that will improve, yet
remain middle-of-the-pack.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Statistically, UCLA's D was as miserable
as any. Allowing a whopping 5,195yds and
25+ ppg makes fans wonder how relevant returning
nine starters really is. The experience
on the front four will allow for more aggressive
(coverage) schemes; however, the question
is whether the intensity shown this spring
means the group will actually be tougher.
It's not a big defense, but with speed and
dominant LBs, it won't have to be to make
significant improvements, especially in
stopping the run. If the way they've controlled
the offense this spring is any indication,
expect a defense no longer afraid to make
plays (after a league-low 19 takeaways).
Dorrell's not a miracle-worker, and this
young group will be exposed by better teams;
but simply due to higher energy and confidence,
the '05 edition will return to Pac-10 and
national respectability.
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LB
Spencer Havner
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UCLA
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Kyle
Morgan-Sr (6-3, 254) |
William
Snead-So (6-4, 228) |
DT |
Kevin
Brown-Jr (6-2, 285) |
Nathaniel
Skaggs-Fr (6-4, 257) |
DT |
Brigham
Harwell-So (6-1, 259) |
Kenneth
Lombard-So (6-1, 280) |
DE |
Justin
Hickman-Jr (6-1, 260) |
Nikola
Dragovic-So (6-3, 249) |
SLB |
Spencer
Havner-Sr (6-4, 236) |
Christian
Taylor-So (6-0, 210) |
MLB |
Justin
London-Sr (6-1, 235) |
Wesley
Walker-Sr (6-3, 222) |
WLB |
Bruce
Davis-So (6-3, 240) |
Aaron
Whittington-So (6-2, 195) |
CB |
Rodney
Van-So (6-1, 166) |
Trey
Brown-So (5-10, 187) |
CB |
Michael
Norris-So (5-11, 175) |
Marcus
Cassell-Sr (6-0, 182)
Byron
Velega-Fr (5-10, 180) |
SS |
Jarrad
Page-Sr (6-2, 220) |
Eric
McNeal-Jr (6-2, 209) |
FS |
Chris
Horton-So (6-1, 195) |
Dennis
Keyes-So (6-1, 192) |
P |
Aaron
Perez-Fr (6-2, 200) |
.. |
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2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
Groza Award semifinalist PK Justin Medlock returns
after hitting on 15-of-20 FGAs (2nd best in Pac-10).
The junior has a huge leg and was the first Bruin
to ever hit two 50+yd FGs in one game, going 3-of-5
from that range. Coverage on KOs was average,
so the competitions for defensive starters will
improve such.
Punter
Expect only a slight drop-off from the nation's
fourth-best net results (40.7) following the graduation
of P Chris Kluwe; RS freshman Aaron Perez was
a prep all-American and is the country's No.3
rated punter with a knack for pinning teams deep.
His size and speed mean his extra hat on coverage
will make this dimension even better soon. Three
blocks from this unit prove its prowess, too.
Return
Game
UCLA led the Pac-10 in punt return yards and TDs
and is only better with the breathtaking Maurice
Drew. He adds his talents on kick-returns, along
with fellow TB Chris Markey. Talent awaits here,
so this part is again solid, even if/when injuries
hit.
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