UCLA Offense Starts Slowly in Scrimmage

UCLA quarterback Wayne Cook completed seven of 17 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown during a 70-play scrimmage Wednesday at UCLA.

Cook, who completed 12 of 22 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown in the Bruins’ first scrimmage last Saturday at the Rose Bowl, got off to a slow start Wednesday as the Bruins’ offense struggled without five injured starters.

Cook did not complete his first six passes and fumbled two snaps before connecting on seven of his final 11 passes. He later left the scrimmage with a cut under his chin, which required five stitches to close.

Backup quarterback Rob Walker completed two of six passes for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Freshman tailback Sharmon Shaw rushed for 25 yards in seven carries as the Bruins gained 55 yards. Tailback Ricky Davis had 13 yards in seven carries.

Injured players missing the scrimmage were: running backs Kaleaph Carter (torn right Achilles’ tendon), James Milliner (bruised back muscle) and Kevin Williams (pulled left hip flexor); wide receiver Sean LaChapelle (sprained right ankle), offensive tackle Vaughn Parker (concussion), nose guard Bruce Walker (pulled left hamstring) and guards James Christensen (pinched nerve in neck) and Matt Soenksen (sprained right knee).

“The offensive team had trouble generating much with that many good players out,” UCLA Coach Terry Donahue said. “There’s just too many guys out. I hope our defensive team is as good as it appeared today. If it isn’t, I’d say we’re in a difficult position. But I still think that once we get our offensive players back, we’ll get better.”

Donahue said he is concerned that Carter, Walker and Christensen might not be ready for the Bruins’ season opener against Cal State Fullerton on Sept. 12 at the Rose Bowl.

But Donhaue’s main worry is at fullback.

With Carter and Milliner sidelined, the Bruins have moved Travis Shipman, a redshirt freshman linebacker, to fullback along with walk-ons Greg Cass and Kevin Dickey. Although Shipman was a fullback in high school, he hasn’t played the position in three years.