Defense Is Getting a Fresh Start

In 1991, UCLA defensive back Carlton Gray established a school single-season record with 11 interceptions. Last year, the Bruins picked off only 14 passes as a team.

That’s why UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell was so pleased with Tuesday’s afternoon practice, which featured several interceptions during team drills, including impressive plays by cornerbacks Rodney Van and Marcus Cassel.

“There’s a great deal of competition out there,” said Dorrell about the Bruins’ crowded cornerback position, where at least five players are vying for the two starting jobs. “It’s been real intense.”

Although UCLA has practiced only two days, the secondary has shown much more speed and depth compared with Dorrell’s previous two seasons. Michael Norris, Trey Brown, Van and Cassel have been splitting time with the first two units at cornerback, and Dennis Keyes, Eric McNeal and three-year starter Jarrad Page have been holding down the safety positions.

After yielding opponents 432.9 yards of total offense a game last season, the Bruins understand that their defense must play better if they want to finish among the Pacific 10 Conference’s elite teams.

“Everybody’s trying to fly around and make plays.” McNeal said. “Not just in the secondary but the whole defense. That’s the big difference from last year.... We understand that if our goal is to go undefeated and win the Pac-10, that’s not going to happen if we don’t tackle better and make plays.”

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Former UCLA defensive end Kevin Harbour Jr., who was listed as a starter before he suffered a knee injury in spring 2004, has transferred to Grambling State.... Linebacker Wesley Walker (knee injury), running back Chris Markey (hamstring), safety Chris Horton (foot) and linebacker Bruce Davis (knee) did not participate in team drills.