Focused Coleman Elevates Level of Play

The growth process has come on many fronts. With the body, which has added about an inch and 10 pounds to an already imposing frame, to reach 6 feet 6 and 275 pounds just before the start of his junior season. With the heart and mind, which gained a new perspective after attending an Athletes In Action camp during the summer and resulted in new-found maturity and passion for life and football.

Welcome to the new Kenyon Coleman. Filled with potential at defensive end as always, in 1999 he is so far playing with the ferocity to reach it.

“I hope he plays as well as he’s practicing right now,” UCLA Coach Bob Toledo said. “He’s really stepped it up a notch.”

That’s especially good news for the Bruins, since Coleman was the most dependable player on an otherwise maligned defensive line and an honorable mention All-Pacific 10 Conference choice as a sophomore. Now the talents that got him that far have been focused.

“I look at life a lot different now,” Coleman said of the impact of the AIA camp he attended at the suggestion of former UCLA receiver Kevin Jordan.

Said Toledo: “It’s a better attitude. He wants to have a great year, and he’s practicing like it right now.”

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Some good news--for a change--for the secondary: Jason Bell is practicing only once a day as a precaution as he works his way back from surgery on his right heel but appears on pace to be ready for the opener Sept. 4 against Boise State.

The only defensive back to start every game at the same position last season, Bell had bone spurs removed in March. His availability for the opener at the Rose Bowl had become an even greater issue since four other prominent members of the secondary will be serving suspensions.

Meanwhile, reinforcements may be arriving. John Hall, who finished fourth in the Pac-10 in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and played football at Long Beach City College, has joined practice and will get a look from coaches in hopes he can add depth.