In Reality, Lewis Is the No. 1 Choice

Those who have watched Marcedes Lewis make catch after acrobatic catch in practice and during UCLA’s Aug. 23 scrimmage were surprised to see the 6-foot-6, 250-pound sophomore listed behind Blane Kezirian at tight end on the Bruins’ depth chart for Saturday’s opener at Colorado.

Though it isn’t a typographical error, the listing isn’t a true reflection of how much each will play. But it does send a little message to Lewis, who needs to improve his blocking technique if he is to develop into the NFL prospect many project he will be.

“Marcedes is going to get plenty of playing time, believe me,” Coach Karl Dorrell said Monday. “But he’s our second tight end in our two-back offense. If we’re in one-back personnel, he would be a starter.”

Simply put, when the Bruins use a two-back offense, Kezirian will usually play. But in a one-back set, which employs an extra receiver and is the alignment UCLA is expected to use most of the time, Lewis will be on the field.

“It’s a formality,” Dorrell said. “We have certain personnel groups for certain formations we use, and whether we go with one or two backs depends on the game plan. It’s flexible.”

Kezirian, the son of UCLA administrator and onetime interim football coach Ed Kezirian, has not played much in three seasons and lacks the physical tools Lewis possesses, but Lewis probably could learn a thing or two from Kezirian.

“Marcedes needs to work on a lot of things,” Dorrell said. “He’s an exciting player, but he’s playing one of those positions that you have to do a lot of things well at, particularly in the running game. Everyone sees the great pass-catching ability, but Blane is a better run-blocker. We want to run the ball effectively, and that’s why he has the edge in a two-back offense.”

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Sophomore reserve cornerback Marcus Cassel was suspended for Saturday’s game because of a violation of team rules, but neither Cassel nor Dorrell would reveal the nature of the infraction.

Cassel, a former St. John Bosco High star who made one tackle last season, practiced with the Bruins on Monday, and Dorrell said the suspension will not exceed one game. Bruin players and coaches were instructed not to discuss the issue. “I’m not real comfortable saying [what the violation is] right now,” Dorrell said. “It’s serious enough where we didn’t think he should play in the first game.”

UCLA’s program has been plagued by numerous off-field problems in recent years, including the arrests of cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. (felony assault), defensive lineman C.J. Niusulu (felony battery) and offensive lineman Shane Lehmann (misdemeanor assault) in 2002, quarterback Cory Paus (alcohol-related driving offenses) in 2001 and defensive end Asi Faoa (assault) in 2000.

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Linebacker Brandon Chillar and end Dave Ball have been elected defensive captains, and receiver Craig Bragg and fullback Manuel White were chosen as offensive captains for the season.