Nelson Gets Chance in Secondary

The decision to put Paul Nelson in the starting lineup last week at Oregon State came as another blow to Eric Whitfield and his dwindling role on the team and was also a sign of how Nelson is progressing in his first season in the secondary.

Nelson played defensive back at San Bernardino High, but went to UCLA to be a receiver, his position while redshirting as a freshman and even through spring drills. It wasn’t until fall camp that he moved to the secondary, a switch that received his blessing because of the depth at receiver.

His role this season had been primarily on special teams, his only previous action having consisted of the final three plays at Ohio State. But when the Bruins decided to open with five defensive backs against Oregon State, it was Nelson and not Whitfield, who days earlier had been demoted from starting strong safety, who got the call.

“It definitely was a confidence booster,” Nelson said. “There’s only so much you can tell yourself and convince yourself about how things are going, but if it really doesn’t happen it can hurt your esteem. Getting that chance told me something.”

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Danny Farmer, who had a reduced role last week at Oregon State because of a strained groin, is listed as probable for Arizona. . . . Twelve new members will be enshrined in the UCLA Hall of Fame on Saturday before and during the game against Arizona at the Rose Bowl. An invitation-only event will take place at Brookside Country Club 2 1/2 hours before the 7 p.m. kickoff and the Class of ’99 will be introduced at halftime. The 12 inductees: Troy Aikman (football), Sam Boghosian (pioneer), Kay Cockerill (golf), Tracy Compton (softball), Denise Corlett (basketball, volleyball and badminton), Dave Dalby (football), Gail Devers (track), Bob Horn (water polo), Ernie Johnson (pioneer), Torey Lovullo (baseball), Sharon Shapiro (gymnastics) and Kevin Young (track). That will bring membership in the Hall to 145. Aikman will be represented by his mother.