Freshman Has Been in This Position Before

UCLA defensive tackle Kenneth Lombard will not be your typical freshman starting his first game of the season against California on Saturday. That’s because Lombard already knows what it’s like to start a game; he did that last year before sustaining a season-ending left shoulder injury.

“I feel like I’m the most experienced redshirt freshman around,” said Lombard, who started two of the first three games UCLA played last season, becoming the first true freshman to start on the defensive line for the Bruins since 1999.

“I have a lot of experience, but I’m still young. I only played in three games last year. It’s not like I’m a vet, yet.”

Knowing what to expect will be an advantage for Lombard, who replaces freshman Chase Moline. Since losing starter Kevin Brown to an ankle injury before the start of the season, the Bruins have been looking for someone to take hold of the position.

Nathaniel Skaggs started the first game and Moline the next three. Both will play against Cal, but it will be Lombard starting.

“When you can play more guys, the better off you are,” UCLA defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said.

At 6 feet 1, 268 pounds, Lombard will face California veteran center Marvin Philip, a 6-2, 305-pound senior. Philip, a first-team All-Pacific 10 Conference selection last season, is the key blocker in the Bears’ running game.

“I don’t want to spend a lot of time on guys,” said Lombard, who has five tackles, including one sack, this season. “The quicker I can get off a block, the better. If I’m double-teamed, I have to get down, get low and take it on.”

According to Lombard, sometimes size mismatches are overrated.

“In some ways, it’s good to play against a team like Cal that comes straight at you,” he said. “You just want to fire off and hit somebody. Cal doesn’t try and trick you. They only run a couple of plays, like old school.”

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Cal Coach Jeff Tedford said wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, out with an ankle sprain, would play Saturday. UCLA running back Derrick Williams won’t play because of a concussion; freshman Kahlil Bell will fill in on kickoff returns.