Football’s offense progresses to defense’s high level of play
By Blair Angulo
Aug. 11, 2009 8:18 p.m.
New season, same old defense.
At least that’s the case for the UCLA football team through its first two practices of Fall Camp.
Coach Rick Neuheisel supported the offense, though, claiming that it’s difficult to establish a proper tempo without wearing pads. But he could not deny the fact that the defense is up to its old antics.
“Our defense is playing really well,” Neuheisel said. “It’s exciting.”
The defense returns seven starters from a year ago ““ including senior cornerback Alterraun Verner, who was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, and redshirt senior linebacker Reggie Carter, who like Verner, is on the Ronnie Lott Trophy Watch List.
“Our defense is unbelievable,” sophomore wide receiver Taylor Embree said. “In games last year it kind of got hidden because of some of the things that happened offensively.”
The offense ranked eighth in the conference last year with just over 283 total yards per game. The unit seems to be benefiting from having to face the Bruins’ first-string defense on a daily basis.
“You’re going to get great practice,” Embree said. “That’s the biggest thing; you’re going against some of the best in the Pac-10.”
Embree, who is fully healed from offseason shoulder surgery, said he already sees a blatant difference in the way the offense is performing.
“Offensively, you can tell there’s a different mentality,” he said. “There’s a lot more intensity. People are beginning to understand concepts and why we do certain things.”
Neuheisel is optimistic that the offense can continue to progress and eventually match the team’s stellar defensive play.
“If (our offense) can find ways to move the ball against (the defense), then we’ll be ready for the regular season,” Neuheisel said.
COMEBACK FOR CRISSMAN: Last year, redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Crissman suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder and as a result, virtually missed the entire season.
The shoulder seems to be holding up just fine so far in Fall Camp. Crissman has not been restricted and has attempted to make all the throws during drills.
“It’s just great to have him out there making throws,” Neuheisel said. “But it looks like he’s still trying to throw the ball too hard, almost as if he’s testing his arm.”
The 20-year-old Crissman has been paired with redshirt freshman starter Kevin Prince in workouts. The duo participated in Tuesday’s second session after training in the first session on Monday.
“(Offensive coordinator) Norm (Chow) just wants to make sure everyone is getting their chances and playing against everybody,” Neuheisel said of the shift. “Maybe to keep them uncomfortable and keep them on their toes.”
QUICK HITS: Neuheisel said that freshman wide receiver Randall Carroll was nursing a hip flexor injury. “¦ Junior defensive tackle Brian Price, who earned first-team all-conference honors last year, was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List on Tuesday. The award is given to the nation’s top interior lineman. Price is also on the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List”¦ Freshman fullback Jayson Allmond was certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse and practiced on Tuesday. “¦ Sophomore tight end Joseph Fauria, who transferred from Notre Dame, also practiced on Tuesday. Due to transfer rules, Fauria must sit out the 2009 season, but Neuheisel said that he will be counted on to be a “great scout team tight end” this season. “¦ Freshman defensive back Dalton Hilliard continued his recovery from right knee surgery, working out under the supervision of a trainer for the second straight day.
