Defense Has an Edge in Practice

It has all been about teaching and developing young players for UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell, whose team completed its first week of spring football practice with a mini-scrimmage Saturday in a packed Spaulding Field.

With more than 100 high school coaches in attendance after a free morning coaching clinic conducted by the UCLA staff, the Bruins’ new-look defense stole the show, highlighted by an interception touchdown return by Mil’Von James and an energetic front led by Kevin Brown.

“We’re off to a very good start,” said Dorrell, who was forced to hold spring practice earlier than usual because of upcoming field renovations. UCLA worked out four times this week, with Saturday being the Bruins’ first in full uniform

The most watched position on the field was quarterback. Two-year starter Drew Olson will not be in the mix until fall because of a knee injury. Senior David Koral worked with the first team and looked more confident operating Dorrell’s West Coast offense.

Highly touted redshirt freshman Ben Olson showed some rust in his first action in full pads in more than two years but also had a couple of impressive throws. Redshirt freshman Patrick Cowan showed a combination of touch and arm strength.

“There’s no one to take claim on that position in Day 4,” Dorrell said. “We’re happy with their progress. David ... has been the first one in the huddle and he’s done a great job so far. Ben has shown signs of him being more comfortable when he’s getting his reps and Pat Cowan is the one no one talks much about and he’s having a pretty good start.... He’s very talented and is a guy you can’t discount from any competition.”

Said Koral: “Understanding the offense and getting my timing better with the receivers has really helped.... Before, I would get one rep here and there, but now, I’m actually getting three consecutive reps. That makes a big difference.”

Added Olson: “Every day is an adventure, but I felt a little more comfortable today than yesterday.... We install new things every day, so it’s kind of tough.... I’m running plays that I’ve never run before. You can draw it up on the board and whatever, but there’s nothing like being out there.”

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Because starting linebackers Spencer Havner, Justin London and Wesley Walker are recovering from off-season surgeries, defensive end Bruce Davis worked at linebacker. He backed up third-year sophomore Aaron Whittington on Saturday.

Sophomore Brigham Harwell, who played mainly defensive end last season, has been working as a tackle and Brown has played some nose guard. Sophomore Noah Sutherland, a defensive lineman last season, has moved to offensive tackle.... Defensive tackle Robert Garcia, who played in eight games last season, is no longer with the team and running back Jason Harrison, who appeared in four games, has transferred.