Lewis Gets Start at Tailback

Sophomore Jermaine Lewis, who had only 56 carries last season but averaged five yards a carry, on Friday was named UCLA’s starting tailback by Coach Bob Toledo, holding off Keith Brown for the opportunity to get the pressure that goes with trying to replace Skip Hicks.

“We really pushed,” Lewis said of his battle with Brown. “We corrected each other, we encouraged each other. We have a great friendship on and off the field, but we’re competitors.

“It was a goal of mine since freshman year. I’m sure that everybody who earns a scholarship and comes here wants to start.”

All three tailbacks are expected to see considerable action, meaning Lewis, Brown and freshman DeShaun Foster probably will end up trying to do by committee what Hicks did in 1997: offer a productive running game and not allow defenses to focus solely on Cade McNown.

Also Friday, Michael Wiley, Ramogi Huma and Tony White were named starters at linebacker, joining the one lock there, Brendon Ayanbadejo. But Toledo held off a decision at free safety, where Jason Stephens and Eric Whitfield are battling.

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Josh Webb, down the depth chart at defensive end, has been moved across the line to offensive tackle. Twin brother Micah is scheduled to start at nose guard in the opener Sept. 12 against Texas.

“He was receptive about it,” Toledo said of Josh. “He knows he has a better shot to play on offense.”