Adams: UCLA tries to Craft lineup

Associated Press

UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft participates in drills during football practice Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, in Los Angeles. Craft said he the UCLA situation is similar to his experience at San Diego State, where he was third on the depth chart and became the starter when the two quarterbacks in front of him were hurt.

LOS ANGELES - The last time I checked, Kevin Craft was UCLA's starting quarterback. But given the attrition at the position, don't assume anything.

In fact, the way UCLA quarterbacks have fallen by the wayside, I wouldn't be surprised if Marcus Outzen took the first snap against Tennessee on Monday night.

Outzen, of course, is the most famous opposing third-string quarterback in UT history, thanks to his performance in the national championship game 10 years ago. Limited by a smaller stage - it's just a season opener - Craft can't match that. But he has had his third-stringer moments in preseason preparation. For example, in last Friday's practice, he threw interceptions on three consecutive passes.

Coach Rick Neuheisel might have been tempted to scream "next." The word has a familiar ring to it at Camp Bruin.

The Bruins lost starting quarterback Patrick Cowan to a season-ending knee injury in the spring. They lost his successor, Ben Olson, to a recurring foot injury in preseason.

Craft, a junior college transfer, was next in line.

But don't get the wrong idea. UCLA's problems aren't limited to quarterback attrition. At the other positions where experience matters most - the offensive line and secondary - the Bruins also have issues.

The offensive line includes only two players with starting experience. One of the starters, Darius Savage, is a converted tight end. Another, Scott Glicksberg, is a converted defensive tackle.

In the secondary, cornerback Alterraun Verner, is a preseason All-Pac-10 pick. The rest of the bunch has started a grand total of one college game, and safety Rahim Moore is a true freshman. For depth, there's cornerback Courtney Viney - all 150 pounds of him.

Add up the concerns, and the list is long enough to discourage the most upbeat coaches. Well, it's almost that long.

"I do think there's reason for optimism," said Neuheisel, who admittedly wouldn't let facts block his rose-colored view.

"I choose to be relentlessly positive," he said with a smile.

Later, he offered specifics.

"Kevin and Chris are on the verge of blossoming into very good players," he said. "Hopefully, it can be as soon as Monday night."

His second reference was to Chris Forcier, a redshirt freshman quarterback who is presumably the next guy up if Craft wrenches a knee while tripping over a sprinkler between now and kickoff.

Never mind the inexperience in the secondary. Neuheisel also is encouraged by his defense. And that's not just wishful thinking.

Karl Dorrell, Neuheisel's predecessor, at least succeeded in building a defense. DeWayne Walker, Dorrell's defensive coordinator, is still running the defense, whose strength is right up the middle with tackles Brigham Harwell and Brian Price, and linebacker Reggie Carter.

There's a less tangible reason for Neuheisel's optimism. His team is seemingly motivated by low expectations.

"I think this group has a little chip on its shoulder," Neuheisel said. "They feel as though they've been cast off as also-rans. That may be what comes to pass, but they're anxious to show they're better than that."

They will get their chance Monday night on national television against the 18th-ranked Vols. Even an unwavering optimist can appreciate the challenge.

"I know we have a formidable foe," Neuheisel said. "I know we have to play our best to be in the game."

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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