Olson’s 2005 Status Uncertain

The knee injury suffered by UCLA junior quarterback Drew Olson in last week’s 24-21 loss to Wyoming in the Las Vegas Bowl is more serious than first thought.

An MRI examination revealed that Olson suffered torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee. He will have surgery over the next few weeks, forcing him to be sidelined at least seven months.

Olson was injured in the second quarter when he tried to throw a pass while being tackled. Olson’s injury was diagnosed as a sprain, but tests earlier this week showed otherwise and his status for next season remains uncertain, according to Marc Dellins, UCLA sports information director.

“I feel badly for Drew,” Coach Karl Dorrell said about Olson, a three-year starter who attempted every regular-season pass for the Bruins this season.

“He’s a great young man and one of our team leaders. Drew is a tough competitor and if there is anyone who can overcome a setback like this, it’s Drew Olson.”

Olson had his most productive season in 2004, completing 57.5% of his passes for 2,565 yards and 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. He was seven for 12 for 89 yards with one touchdown against Wyoming.

Olson’s injury opens the door for a quarterback battle in the spring.

With prized recruit Ben Olson, no relationship to Drew, expected to start classes next week at UCLA, he immediately moves into the role of front-runner for next season.

Ben Olson has not played in a football game since 2001, his senior season at Thousand Oaks High. Although Ben Olson was considered the nation’s top recruit three years ago, he spent a redshirt season at Brigham Young University in 2002 before spending two years on a Mormon mission in Canada.

Ben Olson is expected to compete with junior David Koral, who stepped up against Wyoming when Drew Olson was injured. Koral, a junior college transfer who took five snaps during the regular season, threw for two touchdowns against the Cowboys.

Other quarterbacks expected to be in the mix this spring include freshman Pat Cowan, who redshirted this season and is the younger brother of wide receiver Joe Cowan, and sophomore Brian Callahan, son of Nebraska Coach Bill Callahan.

Drew Olson has a redshirt year available and could go that route if he’s unable to come back for 2005. Defensive end Kevin Harbour suffered a similar injury in March and sat out the season.