Football notebook

Injuries force early retirement of Ream,
Barker

After sustaining a slew of injuries throughout their football
careers, offensive linemen John Ream and Collin Barker have been
granted “injured retired” status.

Ream was expected to compete for a starting job on the line, as
he entered spring practice as the top candidate to replace departed
center Troy Danoff. Barker was expected to provide valuable depth.
The injuries deplete an offensive line that was touted as one of
the best units in the Pac-10.

Ream suffered constantly from knee and foot injuries, while
Barker had chronic problems with his ankle. Their “injured
retired” status means that they will remain on scholarship,
but will no longer count against UCLA’s 85-scholarship player
limit.

Smith can’t make the grade

Incoming recruit Antwuan Smith was deemed academically
ineligible and will not be able to join the team in the fall. The
5-foot-11, 180-pound wide receiver from Clovis had his Letter of
Intent voided by UCLA because he did not meet the NCAA eligibility
requirements.

Should Smith join a junior college and improve his grades, he
will be able to join the team for next year’s spring football
practices, a scenario that succeeded for current Bruin wide
receiver Junior Taylor.

Bruins receiving All-American acclaim

Four players on this year’s team have already earned some
distinction among several college football publications.

Senior cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. was chosen by Football News
for its All-America first team. Senior punter Nate Fikse was named
to Street & Smith’s All-America first team.

Senior offensive right tackle Mike Saffer received second team
All-America honors from three different publications, while junior
defensive tackle Rodney Leisle was named to Street &
Smith’s All-America second team.

Compiled by Bruce Tran, Daily Bruin Reporter

compiled by Bruce Tran, DAILY BRUIN
REPORTER