Four are suspended for game

UCLA will be short-handed, especially in the secondary, on Saturday after Coach Rick Neuheisel suspended four players for the game.

Cornerback Courtney Viney, tailback Milton Knox, wide receiver Morrell Presley and wide receiver Randall Carroll will sit out one game for a violation of team rules. All four will practice with the team this week.

The undisclosed incident did not occur in Tennessee over the weekend, according to a team source, who is not authorized to speak about the situation.

“Unfortunately, we had four players break a team rule and I had to administer the appropriate discipline,” Neuheisel said. “They’ll earn their way back into a playing capacity, hopefully following the Kansas State game.”

While the Bruins have depth at receiver and tailback, Viney’s suspension leaves the team extremely thin at cornerback. Viney had replaced starter Aaron Hester, who suffered a broken right fibula against San Diego State in the season opener.

Sheldon Price, a freshman, worked with the first team in place of Viney on Tuesday.

“I got guys falling left and right,” said Carnell Lake, who coaches the cornerbacks. “I got to get Sheldon Price as many reps as I can. I got to throw him to the fire in practice.”

Cramming for K-State

While quarterback Richard Brehaut took the majority of the reps with the first team and is expected to start Saturday, senior Kevin Craft remains in the picture. Craft started 12 games in 2008 and had a school-record 20 passes intercepted.

“I’m more comfortable with the offense,” Craft said. “I’m more comfortable with the guys. We’re already into this season. I’m not worried about what happened last season.”

As for whether there is a negative perception of his abilities, Craft said, “I know the guys know I played 12 games last year, I don’t think they will feel ‘oh no.’ I came here to help the team. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Line change

Freshman Stanley Hasiak will start at right guard, in place of Eddie Williams. The two will share the position Saturday. Hasiak had been backing up left guard Jeff Baca.

“I want to create a little competition,” line coach Bob Palcic said. “Baca has been doing a pretty good job and Eddie came back 20 pounds overweight since training camp. So I had to send a message, and Stan has been working hard.”

Stokes back

Defensive end Reginald Stokes, who had knee surgery last month, returned to individual drills. The Bruins hope to have him ready for the Stanford game on Oct. 3.

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