For Tight End Grieb, It’s Better to Block

His pass receiving feeds the ego and keeps a large part of the West Coast offense going, but tight end Mike Grieb said Wednesday that there is perhaps more satisfaction in blocking.

“That’s when all the work hitting dummies . . . pays off,” said Grieb, a junior who is third among Bruin receivers with 14 catches in seven games, for 146 yards and three touchdowns.

“Catching the ball is being downfield and just grabbing it. Blocking is more athletic. I get so caught up in it.”

UCLA has used all four of its tight ends extensively, with Grieb being designated the starter, mostly because of his all-around ability. Tyrone Pierce is bigger and probably a better blocker, and Gabe Crecion is probably a better receiver. Ryan Neufeld is a converted linebacker who played tight end in high school.

Neufeld has had to deal with hamstring problems much of the season but is playing without injury now.

He, Pierce and Grieb are used in a three-tight end lineup on the goal line, with Grieb as a wingback, usually going in motion to lead the blocking, most often for tailback Skip Hicks.

Hicks has scored 14 rushing touchdowns, testimony to the effectiveness of the blocking.

“That’s the real reward,” Grieb says of a Hicks touchdown behind the blocks of three tight ends.

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After being told that if he didn’t practice Wednesday, he wouldn’t play Saturday, Hicks returned to full-speed drills. Hicks has been slowed by a bone bruise, suffered at Oregon on Oct. 11, and he started last week against Oregon State but was pulled after nine carries for 39 yards because he was unable to accelerate off the right leg.

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NEXT FOR UCLA

WHO: California

WHERE: Rose Bowl

WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: None

RADIO: AM 1150