Cleary Making Most of a Chance

Senior Robert Cleary was listed as the starting weakside guard on UCLA’s depth chart heading into the season, but by the first game he was a backup to sophomore Chris Joseph.

It was a tough blow for a player who had hopes of finishing his college career on a strong note. But instead of sulking, Cleary worked harder than ever and when Joseph suffered a season-ending knee injury against California, he stepped right in.

“He’s been solid,” Coach Karl Dorrell said about the 6-foot-7, 316-pound Cleary. “He came off the bench against Cal and had a very good game and he played well last week” in UCLA’s 44-41 overtime victory at Washington State.

Cleary started seven games last season but never secured the position. By the time the Bruins played in the Las Vegas Bowl, Cleary had lost his starting job to Steven Vieira, who moved from strongside guard when Shannon Tevaga was inserted into the lineup.

That’s another reason why Cleary is making the most out of his latest chance.

“It’s exciting for me just to be back out there with the guys,” said Cleary, one of five senior starters on offense. “I was just kind of waiting and now here’s my opportunity.”

Cleary, always a sound run blocker, has impressed coaches with his pass blocking.

“He hasn’t given up a sack yet, and that’s one of the things I’m sure that he’s even concerned with,” Dorrell said.

“We’ve asked him to do certain things, and he’s been able to do it. We’re very fortunate to have some experience in there that most backups don’t usually have.”

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Dorrell said linebacker Justin London, who has been slowed because of an ankle injury, would not play Saturday if he was unable to participate in practice today.... Joseph had surgery Wednesday to repair ligament damage in his left knee.