Scrimmage to Serve as a Fresh Opportunity

For UCLA football players such as defensive tackle Robert Garcia, offensive guard Marc Villafuerte and defensive backs Trey and Jebiaus Brown, a strong performance in today’s 9 a.m. scrimmage would certainly gain the attention of Coach Karl Dorrell, who’s looking for some of his younger Bruins to step up.

“We’re really pushing them,” said Dorrell, who has UCLA hitting more this spring than a year ago. “I think this is good for us. We need that right now. That’s how we’re starting to build some of the depth with our young players who haven’t had many of those opportunities” to scrimmage.

Garcia, a sophomore walk-on from Granada Hills Kennedy High, backs up starter C.J. Niusulu and has been a playmaker throughout the spring. At 5 feet 11 and 275 pounds, Garcia uses his quickness to make up for lack of size.

Villafuerte, a 6-3, 300-pound transfer from Santa Ana College, has shown signs of being the physical type of lineman the Bruins lacked last season. Listed as a backup to Paul Mociler, Villafuerte could challenge for the starting job in the fall once he becomes more familiar with the Bruins’ offense and gets in better condition.

UCLA’s secondary is filled with young, talented players who have impressed. Trey Brown was a redshirt last season as a freshman, but he’s challenging for playing time this spring. Brown, son of former UCLA standout running back Theotis, is 5-10 and 195 pounds with great nose for the ball. He returned a fumble for a touchdown and an interception close to the end zone in a controlled scrimmage Tuesday.

Jebiaus Brown, a 6-1, 190-pound sophomore, is another young cornerback making noise. Although he has not played a down for the Bruins -- redshirting in 2002 and sitting out last season because of post-concussion symptoms -- Brown has been notable as a big defensive back who can cover.

With Nnamdi Ohaeri and Jarrad Page sidelined because of injuries, the Bruins’ three-deep list in the secondary is filled with inexperienced players. Juniors Marcus Cassel and Matt Clark have been lining up as No. 1 cornerbacks, with sophomore Eric McNeal at starting safety. The lone senior is Ben Emanuel, who has taken over the role as the secondary leader.

Sophomore Mil’Von James and freshmen Chris Horton and Dennis Keyes also have been solid defensive backs for the Bruins, who will compete in game-like situations for at least 100 plays in today’s scrimmage.