Walk-On Backs Up McNown

Drew Bennett at quarterback against USC?

It’s a longshot, but the odds closed a bit Tuesday when Bennett, a freshman walk-on, was elevated to second string, behind starter Cade McNown. Steve Buck, the backup all season, is still feeling the effects of a hit at Arizona.

“I’d hate to have to use him in the game and cost him a year of eligibility,” said Bruin Coach Bob Toledo. “But we’ve been giving him a few reps right along so that he’s at least familiar with some of the offense.”

Bennett ran the scout team until the fourth week of the season, when freshman Dylan Aquino, who is on scholarship, developed dizziness that has been traced to a neurological disorder.

“I’ve gotten a couple of throws in seven-on-seven on Mondays every week,” said Bennett, who came to UCLA from Miramonte High in Orinda, Calif.

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Guard Andy Meyers has been found to have a broken lower leg, the injury coming in the Bruins’ 35-17 loss to Arizona on Saturday.