[Online exclusive]: Offense clicking well in practice
By Sam Allen
Aug. 8, 2007 5:23 p.m.
After just three days of training camp, it’s already apparent that the UCLA offense has a new look.
Jay Norvell’s offense hasn’t quite caught up with the Bruins’ veteran defense, but the new offensive coordinator had his unit playing at a faster, sharper pace at today’s practice.
“Offensively it looks like we have some speed that we haven’t had in years,” coach Karl Dorrell said. “I saw some really good execution today.”
Part of that offensive flare Dorrell noted came from sophomore Osaar Rasshan. The former quarterback has made a seamless transition to wide receiver and he had a great day Wednesday, the Bruins’ first day of practice in shoulder-pads.
“Osaar continues to impress,” Dorrell said. “He’s going to be a guy that can add some depth and valued size out there.”
While Rasshan shined as a new addition to the offense, running back Chris Markey was in top form after missing most of spring practice with an injured right foot. The senior led the team in receptions last season, and he and quarterback Ben Olson looked to have their timing down already.
Because it wasn’t a full-pads practice, the offense didn’t have to worry about any big hits; the coaches are holding off on full contact for a few more days.
The Bruin defense looked a little anxious, and there were a couple small skirmishes between the offense and defense.
“I know the defense can’t wait until we get in full-pads,” Dorrell said. “They can’t wait to get off their feet.”
That will happen on Friday morning, when UCLA has its first full-pads practice of the season. It will be the first opportunity for the Bruin defense to make some hits.
“This team has prepared extremely hard for this season,” senior linebacker Christian Taylor said. “Guys are ready to get it going.”
The defensive unit is determined to maintain its stellar 2006 form, but the Bruins aren’t too focused on all the praise they received this offseason.
“Expectations and predictions don’t mean anything until you actually do it,” Taylor said. “We’re not making ourselves feel great about it, we just want to go out and do it.
MISSING BRUINS: Freshman running back Raymond Carter sat out practice because of a knee injury. At the end of practice, the team was still waiting on results from an MRI. It’s an untimely injury for Carter, a Los Angeles native looking to contribute in his first year as a Bruin.
“He’s learning, and he needs reps ““ most freshman guys can’t get a chance to play in their first years without getting the reps,” Dorrell said. “This definitely slows him down.”
Another newcomer, freshman defensive tackle Brian Price, missed practice because of an issue with his high school records.
Rodney Van sat out the day with a sprained left foot. Chris Horton saw limited action because of an injured hamstring.
