Paulsen Makes Case at Tight End

For four years, UCLA was spoiled by having Marcedes Lewis, an athletic 6-foot-6 matchup problem for any defense, at tight end.

But now Lewis is a rookie in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Bruins are left with Logan Paulsen, J.J. Hair, Ryan Moya, Adam Heater, Tyler Holland and Travis Martin.

“We don’t really talk about it but you definitely know it’s there when you go line up for a drill and there’s six or seven guys at the same spot,” said Paulsen, a 6-5, 247 pound sophomore. “Everyone’s trying to do something to stand out.”

At Chaminade Prep, Paulsen dominated as a tight end and defensive end, starred in soccer and also was a top hurdler on the track team. It’s the track background that makes Paulsen the best downfield threat among UCLA’s tight ends.

“I know I can run up field and push the safety,” said Paulsen, who played in six games and caught two passes for 33 yards last season, “but I have to work on my footwork more on some routes. ... Some of the other stuff comes with experience.”

During a recent practice, Paulsen made several catches, including one for a touchdown in a controlled scrimmage.

“I wish I could make those type of catches more often; I think that’s what the coaches want from me,” he said.

UCLA coaches also want Paulsen to improve his blocking.

“All I’ve been doing is try and get bigger since I got here,” Paulsen said. “I know that I need to be a better blocker. I want to step up my game so that I’m the person who is able make the big catch or the big block.”

With Moya and Holland slowed because of hamstring injuries, Paulsen has received additional practice time and knows that he’ll get a chance to secure his role with a strong effort in Saturday’s scrimmage at Drake Stadium.

“Logan has been the last man standing, so to speak,” Coach Karl Dorrell said. “With two or three guys being injured at that position, he’s taken advantage of their absence. He’s been staying in there battling.”

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Defensive tackle Kevin Brown, who sat out last season because of an injury to his left ankle, left practice on a cart Thursday after suffering an injury to his right ankle. Although Dorrell said Brown’s latest setback is not considered serious, the junior All-Pacific 10 Conference candidate was put in a protective boot. X-rays were negative.

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Mike McCloskey, Ed Blanton and Robert Cleary were senior starters on the UCLA offensive line last season, so the Bruins were looking for a new group to emerge as starters.

That’s exactly what has happened with a lineup that has been consistent throughout camp -- guards Shannon Tevaga and Chris Joseph, tackles Aleksey Lanis and Noah Sutherland, and center Robert Chai.

“We’re coming along real well,” said Tevaga, a three-year starter. “We’re really strong and athletic. That’s going to be a big plus for us this year.”

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Defensive end Nikola Dragovic, who had been sidelined for a week because of a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Thursday and may play in Saturday’s scrimmage. Defensive tackle Brigham Harwell (calf), receiver Gavin Ketchum (quadriceps), fullback Michael Pitre (toe), offensive tackle Tony Lee (knee) and defensive end Bruce Davis (groin) are questionable.

Players out for Saturday include safety Robert Kibble (multiple sclerosis), offensive lineman Sean Sheller (knee) and defensive tackle Brian Ruziecki (ankle/foot).

The scrimmage will be held at Drake Stadium and is free to the public. The gates will open at 10 a.m. and the scrimmage will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with players and coaches available for autographs until 1 p.m.