It Could Be a Springboard to Bigger and Better Things

Fans were disappointed if they expected to see a wide-open offensive display at UCLA’s final spring football workout on Saturday.

But the effort was what pleased Coach Karl Dorrell, who has spent the spring getting his players to forget about last season’s dismal finish.

Even with several key players (running backs Maurice Drew and Manuel White, linemen Ed Blanton, Mike McCloskey and Robert Chai and receiver Junior Taylor) not participating because of injuries, the Bruins’ first-team offense operated with more confidence and resiliency.

Much of the credit goes to quarterback Drew Olson, who understands that the Bruins are counting on him to develop into a leader.

Although Olson is off-target with his throws from time to time, he has gained respect this spring with his improved decision making.

“He had a tendency to just lock on to a receiver and I think that he’s definitely done better at looking off [defensive backs] and making checks,” senior safety Ben Emanuel said.

“He now can go from receiver one to two and then his third option.... He used to look at one receiver the whole time and then not know what to do.”

Saturday’s workout was supposed to be a game but because of injuries, Dorrell had the Bruins go through a normal practice. The only difference was that 1,200 fans watched.

Some of the players who stood out included sophomore receiver Joe Cowan, who had several impressive catches; redshirt freshman safety Chris Horton, who had a couple of strong tackles and a fumble recovery; redshirt freshman linebacker Aaron Whittington, who had an interception; and sophomore defensive tackle Kevin Brown, who made several nice plays in the offensive backfield.

“We’re limping home but we survived,” said Dorrell, who had his team hit more this spring than it did a year ago.

“I’m really pleased with the team and their attitude.... We had some injuries, particularly with the line positions, but we found a way to get through some things with some young guys.”

With the Bruins done until fall camp, here is a breakdown of players who coaches believed excelled this spring: running backs Derrick Williams, Michael Pitre and Drew, linemen Eyoseph Efseaff and Steven Vieira and receiver Idris Moss.

Players who needed to do more: quarterback Brian Callahan and receiver Antwuan Smith.

Position up for grabs: receiver with Cowan, Moss and Junior Taylor.

Defensive players who excelled: linemen C.J. Niusulu and Bruce Davis, linebackers Spencer Havner and Justin London and defensive backs Eric McNeal, Chris Horton, Jebiaus Brown and Tre Brown.

Players who needed to do more: linemen Kyle Morgan, linebacker Wesley Walker and defensive back Marcus Cassel.

Positions up for grabs: linebacker with Benjamin Lorier and Walker, defensive end with Bruce Davis and Justin Hickman, and strong safety with Jarrad Page and McNeal.