UCLA football: Dye close to winning safety job
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Tony Dye may have to wait a few days to get the nod, but all signs point to him starting at strong safety.
Dye spent today’s practice working with the first team. He continued to provide consistent play. And even defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough was having a hard time keeping alive the competition between Dye and Glenn Love.
“Right now, [Dye] has been playing better,” Bullough said. “Until the other guy steps up, he is leading the competition.”
Unless some might confuse that with the coach being unsatisfied with the level of play, Bullough added. “It’s more like Tony is playing well and doing a great job.”
That leads to the inevitable, with the season opener against San Diego State on Saturday.
Dye, a redshirt freshman, has some experience having been the team’s nickel back. He combined that applied knowledge with some basic study skills and came to camp ready to win the job.
“I got in the film room and I got into the play book,” Dye said. “I’ve dragged that big, old play book up to my room every night. It’s a big enough pain in the butt when you have to get it up the hill.”
But worth it.
“Last camp, I didn’t get in the book,” Dye said. “I did what I could to help with nickel spot. This year I really go into the book.”
Love is expected to see playing time at strong safety, as well in nickel and dime packages.
Other practice news:
-- UCLA and San Diego State officials are monitoring the fire situation. But “at this time, the plan is to play Saturday’s football game versus San Diego State at the Rose Bowl as scheduled. We are in constant contact with City of Pasadena authorities and will continue to monitor the situation,” according to a UCLA statement.
-- Defensive tackle Jess Ward, out the last two weeks with a sprained right knee, is expected to play Saturday. He should be available for 15 to 20 plays.
-- Wide receiver Gavin Ketchum (hamstring) and tailback Christian Ramirez (ankle) will not play. Coach Rick Neuheisel said Ramirez is also doubtful for the Sept. 12 game at Tennessee.
-- Sophomore Jeff Baca will start at left guard against San Diego State, offensive line coach Bob Palcic said. But freshman Stanley Hasiak is expected to see playing time as well.
-- Korey and Kyle Bosworth returned to practice today. They had been in Oklahoma for their grandfather’s funeral.