Mociler Centers Himself

Don’t the political views of young radicals often shift with age, from the far left to center?

With his boy-next-door features and close-cropped hair, Paul Mociler could never be confused with a ‘60s rebel. But Mociler did begin his UCLA career at left tackle, only to drift to left guard, and finally, this season, to the middle of the line.

The redshirt sophomore from St. John Bosco High became a center in the spring when John Ream was sidelined with a knee injury, and he hasn’t looked back (except to snap the ball).

“This is a great opportunity for me,” Mociler said. “It’s my third position and a chance to be in the lineup. The toughest part is the snaps. It’s an extra thing to concentrate on.”

Mociler entered camp even with Mike McCloskey, but got an edge when the redshirt freshman missed two days with flu. McCloskey has done well since returning and it is expected that both players will get long looks in nonconference games.

“Paul has gotten better each day,” quarterback Cory Paus said. “He’s got the size and McCloskey has quickness, so it’s a close battle. I feel comfortable with either of them.”

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Six starters are gone from a defense that was UCLA’s best in years--linebackers Robert Thomas and Ryan Nece, safeties Marques Anderson and Jason Stephens, and linemen Kenyon Coleman and Ken Kocher.

Yet it has become evident after a week of camp that the Bruins are two deep with quality players at nearly every position.

“The cupboard is not bare,” Coach Bob Toledo said.

Behind starting linemen Rusty Williams, Dave Ball, Rodney Leisle and Steve Morgan are experienced backups Mat Ball, Sean Phillips, Asi Faoa and Dave Tautofi. At linebacker, Tim Warfield on the strong side and Dennis Link in the middle provide quality behind Brandon Chillar and Marcus Reese. There is less depth on the weak side behind the surprising Spencer Havner. Cornerback Ricky Manning and free safety Matt Ware are returning starters in the secondary. Joe Hunter and Matt Clark are pushing each other at the other cornerback spot and Ben Emanuel, Jabril Raymo, Kevin Brant and freshmen Jarrad Page and Eric McNeal give UCLA plenty of options at strong safety.