Like Cal, Fujita Having Off Year

California is winless. Quarterback Kyle Boller is sidelined because of a back injury. Is there any compelling reason to watch the Bear side of the ball today?

Linebacker Scott Fujita, an NFL prospect, is worth following. So is his inspirational story.

The 6-foot-5 senior from Oxnard Rio Mesa High was a walk-on safety who was converted to linebacker after gaining 30 pounds to reach 255. He made his first start in 1999 in a 17-0 victory over UCLA.

But as his career rose, his health deteriorated. Fujita was bothered constantly by numbness in his arms and shoulders. He didn’t practice the last five weeks of the ’99 season but played in games.

During the off-season it was discovered nerve roots in his spine were narrow, causing bone to pinch nerves in his neck. He had neck surgery, even though doctors told him he might never play again.

But he returned, making 41 tackles last season and gaining the attention of NFL scouts, who like his mobility and intelligence. Fujita graduated with a 3.4 grade-point average and is pursuing a master’s degree.

“He’s the best player on our team,” Coach Tom Holmoe said. “He’s a leader, the kind of player every coach would love to have.”

Fujita came into this season touted as one of the best linebackers in the West. But with only 27 tackles for a defense that gives up 467 yards a game, he has struggled along with the Bears.

“He hasn’t got off to the start that we expected he might,” Holmoe said. “We were thinking he could step up to totally another level. He’s played solid, but has not made outstanding plays across the board.”

UCLA Coach Bob Toledo will wait to decide whether guard Shane Lehmann and fullback Matt Stanley will play. Both have ankle injuries. If Lehmann can’t go, Steve Vieira will replace him. Stanley splits time with starter Ed Ieremia-Stansbury.

Brian Poli-Dixon, UCLA’s leading receiver, has a dislocated shoulder and is the only starter who definitely will not play. Ryan Smith, who has played extensively as the third receiver, will make his first start.