Lack of Depth on Line Getting ‘Scary’

There are potential long-term implications to news that offensive lineman Josh Webb is probably gone for the season because of a shoulder injury: The Bruins are hoping to avoid using Bryce Bohlander and costing him a redshirt year, but the highly touted freshman may be forced into action in the first two games because of a serious depth problem on the line.

“It’s scary,” Coach Bob Toledo said of the state of the guards and tackles. “It’s a real concern of mine.”

Webb had been elevated to backup right tackle because of other injuries and disciplines. His departure means James Ghezzi could become No. 2 at both tackles, but not until serving a two-game suspension, and that Ed Anderson will be No. 2 at both guards. For now, Micah Webb, Josh’s twin brother, will play behind Brian Polak and Blake Worley at the tackles.

“During meetings, we talk about it a little bit,” starting right guard Mike Saffer said of the lack of manpower on the line. “We’re just trying to keep each other’s spirits up, sort of be a family within a family.

“We joke around a little bit. We make it seem as funny a situation as much as anything. We don’t make fun of anyone, but just make sure no one’s getting down in the dumps.”

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Toledo has not decided how he will split the time at quarterback between starter Drew Bennett and backup Cory Paus for the Sept. 4 opener against Boise State.

The plan for the third and fourth stringers, however, seems more definitive. Even after having been dealt a significant setback, Scott McEwan and Ryan McCann said they have no thoughts of transferring, each finding hope in the rise of Cade McNown from No. 4 at the start of his freshman season to full-time starter by the fifth game because of injuries and poor performances.

“I look at that--and I also look at Cade not getting hurt for four years,” said McCann, a redshirt freshman. “But I try not to think about that.”

Said McEwan, a sophomore and the third stringer, at least for now: “I’m definitely sticking around. Anything can happen. I’m two injuries away from starting. I’m not hoping that’s going to happen. Transferring, that’s just for guys who feel they’re not good enough to stick with the program.”