Ready to Make a Good First Impression

Nineteen UCLA freshmen report today along with returning players, but the number of rookies is an even 20.

Karl Dorrell will begin his first fall camp as Bruin coach experiencing the same apprehension, uncertainty and excitement as all newcomers. He continually referred to his team as “young” during his first news conference this week, and the description applies to him as well.

At times, Dorrell is 39 but appears to be going on 25. He’s fit. But is he the right fit?

Answers will begin to take form today.

“We are eager to see how we measure up,” he said.

The fact that crosstown rival USC already has practiced for a week only heightens the anxiety.

“Our kids are looking forward to the challenge,” Dorrell said. “They see in the news how things are going over there [at USC]. Finally, our week has arrived.”

Those 19 freshmen join a UCLA team that has 14 returning starters -- seven on each side of the ball. But because Dorrell is introducing new schemes on offense and defense, quick learners among the newcomers might contribute right away.

“We are going to give them the benefit of doubt,” he said. “They’ll get a good look. If they can’t help us, if they are too green behind the ears, they’ll redshirt.”

For his part, Dorrell will be trying to establish that he is not, to use his own expression, “too green behind the ears” to lead the Bruin program into a new era. This is his first head-coaching job after serving as an assistant with the Denver Broncos and at several colleges.

“I’ve been champing at the bit for a month now,” he said. “I’m used to going to NFL camp in mid-July. I can’t wait to get started and neither can the players.”

There will be a steep learning curve. Dorrell estimates that only one-quarter of the offensive system was introduced during the spring. The defense also is new, an attacking scheme introduced by new coordinator Larry Kerr.

“We will continue to build the foundation of our offense and defense,” Dorrell said. “Hopefully [the players] are at a comfort level. They are very open-minded, very receptive to what we are doing. They came through this summer with a great response. We hope to keep building on that.”

During the spring, Dorrell was pleasantly surprised with the talent level at skill positions. He was especially impressed by tailback Tyler Ebell and receivers Craig Bragg and Junior Taylor.

Taylor, a sophomore, is expected to start because senior Tab Perry is academically ineligible. Senior receiver Ryan Smith is recovered from ankle surgery, tight end Keith Carter has recuperated from a spring motorcycle accident and versatile sophomore tight end/receiver Marcedes Lewis gave up basketball to focus on football.

The defense also is a strength. Six seniors anchor the line, outside linebackers Brandon Chillar and Spencer Havner are among the best in the Pacific 10 Conference, and the secondary lost only cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. Tackle Rodney Leisle won’t report until Thursday or Friday to attend his grandmother’s funeral in Bakersfield.

The biggest question marks are at offensive tackle. Steve Vieira, a starter at guard last season, will move to left tackle, and 6-foot-9, 330-pound Ed Blanton will have first crack at winning the right tackle job.

A battle between Drew Olson and Matt Moore at quarterback will draw intense interest. Olson is considered the favorite because of his maturity and grasp of the offense, but Moore might have better long-range potential.

Steve Axman, the new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, will have input in picking the passer. A decision is expected after an Aug. 23 scrimmage.

Once jobs are won and the system is learned, attention will turn to winning games. The Bruins were picked by the media to finish sixth in the conference despite last season’s 8-5 record and all the returning talent.

That’s probably an indication that the jury is out on Dorrell.

“I didn’t know how to react,” he said. “I don’t know the conference all that well. There is always a beginning point and usually that doesn’t matter a hill of beans. It’s where you finish. They could have picked us 10th and obviously we still would have a shot to win the conference.”

Not that he plans to burden the players with lofty goals. Improvement will be measured day by day, step by step. Where it leads, a newcomer isn’t exactly certain.

“This is a fairly young football team,” Dorrell said. “We want constant improvement on a week-to-week basis. That’s the better approach. Particularly this year.”