Van Is Getting Pushed by Verner

After UCLA’s loss at Washington last Saturday, defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker did not hide his disappointment in junior cornerback Rodney Van, who failed to make a couple of plays.

This week, Van has had to compete with freshman Alterraun Verner to keep his starting job, which he said he understands.

“It’s [Walker’s] decision and he felt like there were some things that he didn’t like in the game about my performance,” said Van, who tied for seventh on the team in tackles with nine. “I know there’s open competition all season because I never totally solidified the spot. But Verner is an excellent player and he’s making plays, while I’ve had my share of miscues.”

On Wednesday, Van continued to work with the No. 1 defense and Verner remained with the first-unit nickel package.

“Rodney is our starter and will continue to be our starter,” Coach Karl Dorrell said. “What DeWayne has tried to do is get Rodney pumped up about keeping his position. He needs to know if he continues to struggle as certain times, we’re going to throw someone else out there.”

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Six of UCLA’s receivers have caught at least one pass, with senior Matt Willis leading the way with nine receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. But they want more, especially when it comes to longer pass plays.

“We talked about not throwing long and we know that at some point we’re going to have to go deep in order to keep defenses honest,” junior Marcus Everett said. “We have to do that so defensive backs can’t just sit on any of our routes.”

Before the season, Everett was considered one of UCLA’s big-play threats. But in three games Everett has only five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.

“We have to give him more opportunities, just like all of our receivers need more opportunities to make plays for us,” Dorrell said.

Quarterback Ben Olson said he has do a better job of getting the ball to open receivers.

“I missed a few guys against Washington,” Olson said. “Once you’re in the middle of it you don’t see some things. But then when you go back and watch the game you see things differently, even on completed passes.”

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Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards is a three-year starter, but he’s not off to a great start.

“He has to get better at the turnover area,” Cardinal Coach Walt Harris said of Edwards, who has passed for six touchdowns but has had three passes intercepted. “He has had a turnover in each of our last three games.”

One reason for that, Harris says, is that Stanford’s line hasn’t offered the best protection.

“He has hung in the pocket almost too long in some situations,” Harris said. “He’s a tough guy and he trusts his linemen to their blocks. But he has to use his scrambling skills more.”

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Dorrell said defensive tackle Chase Moline (back spasms), tight end J.J. Hair (hip) and cornerback Michael Norris (knee) will not play Saturday. Offensive guard Chris Joseph, slowed because of an Achilles’ tendon strain, is expected to play.

lonnie.white@latimes.com