They Are Full of Youthful Exuberance

With 33 freshmen in camp--22 on scholarship--perhaps it stood to reason. Still, it was a surprise to see six first-year players listed second team on the depth chart released Thursday.

There were the expected (quarterback Drew Olson, tight end Marcedes Lewis, weakside linebacker Wesley Walker) and the unexpected (fullback J.D. Groves, cornerback Glen Ohaeri and tackle Alex Potasi).

“I’m really pleased with the freshman group,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “They are as good or better than I thought they’d be.”

Three other freshmen listed as third string are expected to play on special teams as well as get snaps from scrimmage--middle linebacker Justin London, safety Jarrad Page and receiver Junior Taylor.

Several redshirt freshmen are also in the plans, led by starting weakside linebacker Spencer Havner and starting center Mike McCloskey. Running backs Jason Harrison, Wendell Mathis and Tyler Ebell will contribute.

“They’ll have a role on this team,” offensive coordinator Kelly Skipper said of the running backs. “They each bring different skills to the table.”

Ebell is listed as the first-string punt returner ahead of Craig Bragg, who averaged 8.4 yards on 14 returns last season. Ebell is a breakaway threat but has also shown a propensity to fumble.

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Although Page can sign a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers any time before school begins Sept. 23, he probably won’t. The Brewers offered a $700,000 bonus before he reported to UCLA and Page asked for $1 million.

“I think it’s history,” he said. “I haven’t heard from them since I came here and I don’t care at this point. I’m happy playing football.”

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Four injured players who would be second string were left off the depth chart because they likely will sit out the Sept. 7 opener against Colorado State.

Keith Carter, who backs up Mike Seidman at tight end, and Pat Norton, who backs up Manuel White at fullback, have sprained ankles.

Shane Lehmann, who backs up Steve Vieira at right guard, has a pulled groin, and Patrick Pierre-Louis, who backs up Havner at linebacker, has a separated shoulder.

The health of starting middle linebacker Marcus Reese also is a concern. The senior has a concussion and, although he wanted to practice Thursday, doctors held him out. Reese has had several concussions during his career.