Dorrell Likes Spring Work

Based on the efficiency of UCLA’s spring football practices the last three weeks, it has been a smooth transition for Coach Karl Dorrell and his six new assistants.

The Bruins wrapped up drills Thursday sporting a new defensive attitude and look, which was Dorrell’s goal when he replaced Larry Kerr with DeWayne Walker as defensive coordinator.

“It went much better than I ever imagined,” said Dorrell, who also hired defensive line coach Todd Howard and linebackers coach Chuck Bullough. “Dewayne did a nice job of organizing himself and working with our other defensive coaches. We had progress made day after day with what we were doing on the defensive side. We looked pretty good.”

Despite not having the services of injured linemen Kevin Brown, Brigham Harwell, Nikola Dragovic and Justin Hickman for much of spring practice, the Bruin defense showed promise in last week’s scrimmage at Drake Stadium.

Led by linebackers Christian Taylor and Eric McNeal and defensive backs Chris Horton, Dennis Keyes, Trey Brown and Rodney Van, UCLA’s defense seemed to be more athletic and versatile than last season.

The Bruins have a clearer understanding of what type of offense they’ll have in the fall. Although Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan are locked in a quarterback battle, Olson has the edge and looked comfortable running a first-team unit that looked solid during most of spring practice.

Dorrell said the team has a lot of work to do until the first game -- Sept. 2 against Utah at the Rose Bowl.

“They have a good idea of what to do [this summer] and we’re going to make sure that they’re accountable,” Dorrell said. “We’re still growing with a new staff, new coaches and everything else.... Our hands are full, but the good part is that there’s a lot of time for us to get stuff done.”