Big-Play Receiver Has Not Emerged

From Mike Sherrard and Karl Dorrell in the 1980s to Kevin Jordan and J.J. Stokes in the 1990s to Freddie Mitchell and Craig Bragg in recent years, UCLA has a history of producing big-play wide receivers.

But this year’s group of wideouts has so far lacked that type of player, which was evident in Saturday’s scrimmage. Senior Junior Taylor and junior Joe Cowan have been working as starters in camp, with sophomores Marcus Everett and Brandon Breazell and junior Andrew Baumgartner as their backups.

The X-factor for the Bruins is freshman Gavin Ketchum, who returned to practice Monday after sitting out nearly a week because of a shoulder sprain. Ketchum, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound former Oak Park High standout, will get a close look heading into the Bruins’ opener at San Diego State on Sept. 3.

“He’s not quite in the shape that he should be ... but he looked good running around,” Dorrell said about Ketchum, who has good speed for his size.

“We’ll get him in shape and ready to go over the course of the week. He’s one of the guys we’re looking at seriously to help us this fall.”

In both practices Monday, Ketchum received a crash course in the Bruins’ offense. With receivers coach Dino Babers helping him, Ketchum worked mainly with the first unit.

“I definitely didn’t anticipate working so hard today, but I’m happy that I had it,” said Ketchum, who played receiver and safety in high school.

“They just wanted to see what I could do. ... There’s a lot to learn. It’s a big step up to college receiver. Everything is so fast, but I’m getting there.”

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Aside from quarterback, UCLA has two other hot position battles still going on in camp at weak-side offensive guard and right cornerback.

Senior Robert Cleary started at guard on Saturday, with Robert Chai as his first backup. On Monday, sophomore Chris Joseph worked with the first team, and Cleary and Chai worked with the second team.

At cornerback, Michael Norris started opposite Trey Brown on Saturday, but on Monday, Norris split time with Byron Velega and Marcus Cassel.

“We plan to [name starters] sometime this week,” Dorrell said. “It’s been a great battle and pretty interesting affair at a lot of positions.”

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Dorrell on freshman running back Kahlil Bell, who returned to practice after sitting out Saturday’s scrimmage because of a concussion: “He’s having an excellent camp. He probably doesn’t have the getaway speed that Maurice [Drew] has, but he’s the same style of flashy back with good moves. You didn’t get a chance to see him on Saturday ... but he’s one of those guys who has been very impressive in camp and figures to be our third-team back.”

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Everett, who has been pushing Taylor and Cowan in camp, suffered a right shoulder separation when he was hit by Justin London on Monday morning in a passing drill and spent the afternoon with his arm in a sling.... Defensive tackle Kevin Brown had successful surgery to insert a pin in his ankle Monday. Redshirt freshman Kenneth Lombard, who started two games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, worked in Brown’s spot on Monday, and sophomore Nathaniel Skaggs practiced in place of Brigham Harwell, who has been hampered by an ankle injury.... Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Tony Lee suffered a knee injury Monday morning and did not practice in the afternoon.... UCLA will practice once today and twice on Wednesday, the final day of open workouts to the public.