COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Injuries Remain a Major Concern

Every week, UCLA Coach Terry Donahue seems to spend more time talking to his trainers than to his assistants.

Every week, the number of players wearing red jerseys, signifying injury, seems to rival those wearing blue and white.

Injuries have hit the Bruins everywhere on their depth chart.

This week alone, Donahue couldn’t be sure a few days ago that a single member of his offensive line would play Saturday against the Arizona Wildcats, and he was looking at the prospect of losing four starters on defense.

“You get frustrated at the brittleness of the team,” Donahue said, “the inability of players to stay on the field. But you’ve just got to keep going. You’ve got to coach the guys who can play.”

Donahue took a little solace from the news that Arizona receiver Richard Dice, the Wildcats’ star offensive player, is out with a knee injury.

“You don’t wish anyone to get hurt,” Donahue said, “but you think, hey, maybe things are evening up. The other guys have problems too.”

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The only UCLA offensive linemen who are questionable at this point are center Mike Flanagan and guard Matt Soenksen. Flanagan, who has a back injury, could not have played Thursday, according to Donahue. Soenksen, who has a foot injury, is expected to play on a limited basis Saturday. On defense, free safety Shaun Williams (thigh) may play, but defensive end Phillip Ward (knee), defensive tackle Travis Kirschke (ankle) and linebacker Donnie Edwards (suspension) are out.

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Freshman receiver Brad Melsby may play for the first time Saturday behind Derek Ayers. “He looks like he can help,” Donahue said, “and we need help” . . . Offensive left tackle Jonathan Ogden is one of 12 semi-finalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award, given annually to the lineman judged to be the best in college football. . . . With 41 career field goals, junior Bjorn Merten ranks third on the Bruins’ all-time list.