Bruins Meet the System
With spring practice in its last week, Matt Moore and Drew Olson appear as close as ever in the competition to win the starting job at quarterback.
The most severe challenge has not come from one another, however. It’s learning the offense installed by new Bruin Coach Karl Dorrell.
“They are all struggling with learning and running the system,” Dorrell said. “In this system, the quarterback really has to know what he is doing, making reads and making adjustments.”
The steep learning curve has put the offense behind the defense, which does not alarm the coach.
“All we are trying to establish is putting in the foundation,” he said. “Actually, we’re ahead of schedule. It’s been nice to see everyone grasp things quickly.”
Besides Moore and Olson, John Sciarra has elevated his status at quarterback with a strong spring. All three will be sophomores in the fall.
The defense dominated a full-contact scrimmage Friday, however. All three quarterbacks were sacked and the only touchdown came on a punt return by Craig Bragg.
Justin London, who played sparingly as a freshman, appears close to winning the job at middle linebacker.
*
Dorrell anticipates the NCAA will pass legislation that will end the long-standing practice of incoming freshmen reporting to fall camp three days before veterans. The change means freshmen have a smaller opportunity to impress coaches who evaluate which ones should redshirt.
“I want to give the freshmen a chance to help us,” he said. “But if this rule passes, it will be more difficult.”
*
Jibril Raymo switched positions from safety to receiver Monday and might redshirt next season. Raymo, a 6-foot-3, 203-pound sophomore, made one start last season and appeared in eight games, making 18 tackles.
