UCLA

A secondary already searching for stability took another hit Monday when Damian Allen, the second-string left cornerback, quit to devote more time to track.

“He felt his heart wasn’t really into it and he wasn’t helping himself,” Coach Bob Toledo said.

This comes with the Bruins already in a wait-and-see mode about whether Eric Whitfield and Jason Stephens can handle the duty at free safety. That tandem had mixed results Saturday in the season-opening victory over Texas, although those marks don’t put them in much worse standing than many on the defense that labored in the second half.

The departure of Allen also means Julius Williams, originally considered a possibility to redshirt this season as a freshman, will play. But for now, Ryan Roques will be No. 2 at both cornerback positions, behind Marques Anderson and Jason Bell, until Williams gains experience.

Allen, a sophomore, played in all 12 games in 1997 and Saturday’s victory over Texas. In track last season, Allen finished second in the Pacific 10 in the 100 and third in the 200 and ran a leg on the 400-meter relay team that was fourth in the NCAA.

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Left guard Oscar Cabrera will not play Saturday at Houston after suffering a sprained right ankle in the Texas game, an injury that will cost the Bruins one starter. Another--sort of--will play.

Fullback Craig Walendy, who never expected to miss more than the first few days of practice and insisted he would play against the Longhorns, practiced Monday for the first time and has been cleared to return this week. Durell Price, unspectacular but solid in the opener, remains the starter.

The loss of Cabrera comes at one of the Bruins’ deepest positions--offensive line--but still presents its own challenges as Matt Phelan gets the promotion to the starting lineup. James Ghezzi, the junior-college transfer, temporarily becomes the backup at guard and tackle, and Josh Webb, a reserve defensive end about a week and a half ago, may be pressed into duty at tackle.

Webb got one play at his new position--and new side--against Texas.

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Next Up for UCLA

Who: Houston

Where: at Houston

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: FX

Radio: AM 1150