McCann Is Back in Familiar Role

Ryan McCann is back in the quarterback queue, unsure if he will ever again get to the front of the line.

The role is familiar, if not particularly comfortable. McCann, a junior, began each of the last two seasons as a reserve only to find himself under center in key games.

As a freshman, he led UCLA to a late-season victory against Washington after taking over for Cory Paus, who broke his collarbone.

As a sophomore, he again took over for an injured Paus, this time after one offensive series in the opener. McCann played well in victories over Alabama, Michigan and Fresno State before faltering in a loss to Oregon.

A torn labrum in his throwing shoulder ended McCann’s season, Paus played well when he returned and Scott McEwan performed credibly in the Sun Bowl.

All of which puts McCann third in line as a new season begins.

“I’m focusing on throwing good passes and showing the coaches I am 100% healthy,” he said. “If the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.”

McCann connected with Cody Joyce on a 65-yard pass play for a touchdown during Wednesday’s scrimmage at the Rose Bowl.

“I’m pleased with Ryan’s progress,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “He’s starting to understand things better.”

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Fullback Ed Ieremia-Stansbury sprained an ankle and did not play in the scrimmage.

The senior has recovered from off-season surgery to his left shoulder and is having a strong camp. But UCLA is fine at fullback even without Ieremia-Stansbury. Senior Matt Stanley started several games last season and third-teamer Pat Norton has been impressive in practice.

Stanley, like Ieremia-Stansbury, is recovered from off-season shoulder surgery.

“It feels great,” Stanley said. “The biggest test is an isolation play when that linebacker is 10 yards away, I get a running start and, boom, we just collide.”

Stanley has to get his thrills blocking because he had no carries last season. Ieremia-Stansbury had five, gaining 24 yards.

“We appreciate any time we get the ball,” said Stanley, who caught a touchdown pass in the scrimmage.

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Starting defensive backs Marques Anderson and Matt Ware, recovering from concussions, played only in the non-tackling portion of the scrimmage.

Linebacker Brandon Chillar and Matthew Clark did not play because of hamstring injuries.

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No. 83 was on the field, but Jerry Owens was not.

Ryan Smith snagged Owens’ jersey number one day after the injury-plagued receiver left the team.

Smith needed a new number because he and defensive back Ben Emanuel both wore No. 24.

Smith, a redshirt sophomore, anticipates his number being called frequently. Coaches say he is the Bruins’ most improved receiver.