Harrison Makes His Mark

The Bruins’ final exam turned into a pop quiz, with the loudest hits in Wednesday’s scrimmage at the Rose Bowl coming from players fighting to win a starting position.

Redshirt freshman center Mike McCloskey, cornerback Joe Hunter and fullback Manuel White appeared to be winners, although nothing is certain until coaches watch film and construct a depth chart today.

“We simulated a game situation as much as we could,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “We worked down-and-distance and field position, and we transitioned from offense to defense to the kicking game.”

Jason Harrison, a redshirt freshman running back, was the most impressive of the skill-position players, breaking off nifty runs and making two difficult receptions.

Harrison, like White, can play tailback and fullback.

“Harrison stood out, he’s really versatile,” Toledo said. “We like the way he catches the ball.”

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Jarrad Page, a freshman safety, returned punts along with redshirt freshman Tyler Ebell.

Page was a center fielder at San Leandro High good enough to be a fifth-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, and Toledo likes his hands.

“Page has a knack for catching the ball,” he said. “I don’t know how many yards he’ll gain after he catches it, but we need to have different guys for different situations.”

Page has spent time working with the starting defense but probably will be behind sophomores Ben Emanuel and Jabril Raymo at strong safety. Kevin Brant is also a factor at the position, and Brant and Emanuel can also back up Matt Ware at free safety.

“Even if I don’t start, I’ll be in the rotation and I’ll play on special teams,” Raymo said. “I think we are all looking at it that way.”

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John Sciarra, a redshirt freshman, made a strong push to become the backup to senior Cory Paus at quarterback.

Sciarra has thrown the ball well in recent practices, and in the scrimmage he twice scrambled for yardage.

However, Drew Olson, a freshman from Piedmont, is expected to get the nod at No. 2 quarterback. Matt Moore, a freshman from Hart who did not play because of a sprained left knee, probably will redshirt.

Paus opened the scrimmage with a long completion to receiver Tab Perry and also threw crisp passes to tight end Mike Seidman and receiver Ryan Smith.

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Two-a-days are over.

The Bruins will practice once today and Friday then take Saturday and Sunday off before beginning preparations for their Sept. 7 opener against Colorado State.