Blanton Makes Most of His Opportunity

UCLA tackle Ed Blanton did not know he would make his first start until less than 24 hours before the team took the field against San Diego State. The redshirt freshman had never practiced with the first team.

Yet when senior Mike Saffer broke a rib while coughing on Friday, Blanton was thrust into the lineup. And Blanton made an impact befitting his 6-foot-9, 330-pound build.

“He’s the mountain man,” UCLA Coach Bob Toledo said. “He didn’t give up a sack, he knew who to block. He’s athletic, tough, competitive and gives great second effort.”

Toledo told Saffer, who was in street clothes for the game, to give Blanton pointers every time he came off the field. In the second quarter Saffer said to the coach, “He doesn’t need my help. He’s doing a great job out there.”

After watching film, Toledo concurred.

“I was just hoping this kid could get us through the game,” he said, “and we found a guy with a great future.”

Blanton will continue to start until Saffer is ready to return, which could be sooner than anticipated. Saffer said Monday that he thinks he can play against Oregon State, although trainers said that is wishful thinking.

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With the beginning of UCLA’s Pacific 10 Conference schedule, Drew Olson’s stints spelling Cory Paus are over.

The freshman quarterback appeared in three of the four nonconference games, to gain experience in case of an injury to Paus. Olson completed four of eight passes for 46 yards.

Olson’s best moment came in the opener against Colorado State when he led the Bruins to a decisive score. But since then, he has made rookie mistakes.

“These games count now and Cory is playing until the game is decided,” Toledo said. “Drew has learned a lot, and he has a lot more to learn.”

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After rushing for 76 yards against San Diego State, Manuel White has pulled even with Akil Harris at tailback on the depth chart. White is still listed as the starting fullback as well.

“When we come out in one-back sets, Manuel will be the one back,” Toledo said. “He’s got to stay on the field.”

White is the Bruins’ leading rusher with 231 yards, averaging 4.8 yards a carry. Harris gained 38 yards in 20 carries in the last two games.

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C.J. Niusulu has a court hearing in his hometown of Barstow today. The freshman defensive end is charged with felony battery stemming from an incident at a drive-in theater in July.