Defender Faoa on the Move

The Bruins’ newest defensive end is redshirt freshman Asi Faoa, who arrived at UCLA as a linebacker. While the hobbled defensive line welcomes all reinforcements, the UCLA coaches believe this switch could be permanent.

“I’m a linebacker at heart, but defensive end is looking pretty good, especially because I blew up,” said Faoa, who said he has put on 35 pounds since high school. “I want to get in there and get a sack.”

Faoa, whose play this season has been limited to special teams, will play some defensive end in Saturday’s game against Stanford. Some coaches believe he can develop into the strong pass rusher the Bruins have lacked this season.

The Bruins also have failed to recruit a defensive lineman among 15 players giving oral commitments to UCLA, most recently safety Jibril Raymo of Beverly Hills High. The Bruins plan to award two to four more scholarships.

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Kory Lombard, a senior and a walk-on during his previous four years in the program, will make his first start Saturday, in place of the injured Anthony Fletcher at defensive tackle. . . . Tailback DeShaun Foster aggravated an injured toe in practice but is expected to play Saturday. . . . The Bruins play at Washington next weekend, on Veterans Day, so they will honor the men and women of the armed services Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Active or retired members of the military, with identification, can receive one free general admission ticket or can buy one reserved ticket and get a second free.