Webb’s Season Comes to an End

The strange turn of events that in one year took Micah Webb from a starter on defense to a backup on offense has essentially turned him into a former Bruin ahead of schedule, because a shoulder injury has ended his senior season.

Two seasons ago Webb was the starting nose guard for the Pacific 10 champions. Then a knee injury forced him out of the Rose Bowl loss to Wisconsin and, because of concerns about how that would affect his mobility, the coaches moved him to the offensive line for 1999. He played in all 11 games and started at right tackle in the finale against USC.

He would have had a similar role as a key reserve this season. But when doctors told him Monday his left shoulder would need surgery and would require a screw to be inserted, his career was over. He might wait until after graduation in June to have the operation so he could have close to a normal senior year, but he can’t play without having it done and there isn’t enough time to recover if he had the procedure now.

“I’m fine with it,” Webb said. “I’m going to get my degree [in mechanical engineering]. It does not change where I want to be in a year.”

It does change where the Bruins will be this year on the offensive line. Webb was the backup to Bryce Bohlander at left tackle, so now Blake Worley will be second string there and at left guard behind Oscar Cabrera, who has been bothered during much of camp by a sprained ankle. Meanwhile, Brian Polak, the starting right guard, might also play behind Mike Saffer at right tackle.

Another potential reserve, Josh Webb, could also sit out the season--because of a shoulder injury similar to that of his twin brother.

It means that two true freshmen could be pressed into action: Steven Vieira, who is making more of an early impact than the Bruins anticipated, and Eyoseph Efseaff. The most highly touted of the first-year offensive linemen, Paul Mociler, is recovering well from the knee injury that curtailed his senior season at St. John Bosco High, but he probably will be redshirted.