Offensive Line Draws Dorrell’s Attention

UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell called the performance of the offensive line in the team’s first scrimmage “good and bad” and is concerned about pass protection because of numerous sacks in the controlled scrimmage.

“I didn’t count them. But there were enough that they were noticeable,” Dorrell said after the Bruins resumed practicing in Westwood Sunday following a week at Cal State Fullerton.

“Early on there were some issues where they seemed to get through pretty quickly on us, the defensive line. But [the offensive line] settled in and started playing a lot better.”

The Bruins have three starters back from last season’s line, but only two at the same position -- center Mike McCloskey and left guard Eyoseph Efseaff.

Steven Vieira, the starting right guard last season, has moved to left tackle. Paul Mociler has won a battle with Shane Lehmann at right guard, and 6-foot-9, 330-pound Ed Blanton is starting at right tackle. Lehmann, after being beaten out at guard, is also backing up at left tackle.

“It’s a new group, they’re not used to all playing together and they’re young, but those excuses -- we’re going to have to start playing here pretty quick,” Dorrell said.

“That’s one area where we’ve got to be a lot better by the time we line up against Colorado ....I’m very optimistic we have the guys that can do it.”

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With quarterback Matt Moore in the lead as Dorrell prepares to announce a starter for the opener, the other quarterbacks are mindful that one player probably won’t play the whole season at that position.

If he loses his bid to start the opener, Drew Olson said, “It’s just one of those things you’ve got to deal with, work harder and get better.”

He’s mindful that three players started at quarterback last season -- Cory Paus, Moore and Olson.

“Last year was a great example of injuries,” Olson said. “You’ve just got to be ready.”

Third-string quarterback John Sciarra knows as well as anyone that opportunities arise. “Sometimes people have bad luck, and things happen,” he said.

Sciarra was in position to start the next game after injuries to Paus and Olson against Cal, but his fumble led to the Bears’ winning touchdown, and UCLA turned to Moore the next game.

“We’ve got to realize when everyone gets their chance that if you take advantage of it, obviously you’re going to have the edge over someone else,” Sciarra said. “That’s been my downfall, like in the Cal game, I didn’t get to play in the Stanford game because of the Cal game.”

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Tight end Marcedes Lewis didn’t practice Sunday because of a right ankle sprain but is expected to return today.