Injury Puts Snead Into Starting Role

Because of defensive end Nikola Dragovic’s season-ending knee injury, UCLA redshirt sophomore William Snead will make his first career start on Saturday against California, the team he followed growing up in Oakland.

But to Snead, the importance of this week’s game to the Bruins means much more than his personal ties with the Bears.

“This is really a big game for me not just because it’s against the team closest from where I’m from,” said Snead, a three-sport standout at Skyline High. “It’s big because it’s such a big game for our team.”

For the Bruins, 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Pacific 10 Conference, a victory over California (5-0, 2-0) would give them their best start since 2001. Snead said this is the type of game he dreamed of playing in when he signed with UCLA.

“I’m going to act like I don’t know them, that’s how I’m approaching the game,” Snead said about competing against friends who play for the Bears. “I’ll see them after the game and maybe before it, but on the field, it’s no friendship.”

One of the players Snead will encounter is running back Marshawn Lynch, who attended Oakland Tech High. It will be up to Snead and his defensive teammates to slow the Bears’ No. 1 offensive weapon.

“I’m not really worried about William because it’s not like he hasn’t been on the field,” defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said about Snead, who rotated at end with Dragovic and Bruce Davis. “This will be a big opportunity for him to show his athletics and toughness. He’ll get a chance to show people how much he’s grown.”

*

UCLA will face California without four starters because of injuries. Dragovic, who suffered torn ligaments in his left knee against Washington, joins defensive tackle Kevin Brown (ankle), safety Chris Horton (wrist) and Junior Taylor (knee).

“We can’t do anything about that now, that’s part of football,” Coach Karl Dorrell said. “You’re going to lose people week after week. It’s unfortunate but you can’t let that stop the process.”