Olson, Cowan top UCLA's depth chart
UCLA FOOTBALL REPORT
Quarterback race looks familiar, but depleted offensive line might be a trouble spot.
Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan. UCLA's tag-team quarterbacks the last two seasons are emerging as the front-runners in the Bruins' latest quarterback competition.
Olson and Cowan took the majority of the reps during Thursday's practice, with community college transfer Kevin Craft receiving enough opportunities to be considered in the running. Osaar Rasshan and Chris Forcier, meanwhile, received little time in the 11-on-11 scrimmage.
That was how things played out on the field. But Coach Rick Neuheisel was hesitant to declare anyone out of the running.
"I think that's where we're focusing our attention right now, giving those guys chances, but the competition has not ended," Neuheisel said.
As for Rasshan and Forcier, Neuheisel said, "When they get their chances, they are going to have to make the most of them. For our team to get better, that's where we stand."
Where things will stand Saturday, when the Bruins have their first full scrimmage, is with either Cowan or Olson playing quarterback at the start, Neuheisel said.
Offensive coordinator Norm Chow said that "no decisions have been made. What happens when you get five guys out there, nobody gets any better. We felt we would focus in a little bit. Who knows who it's going to be tomorrow?"
This is the third time that Olson and Cowan have battled for the job, with Olson winning the previous times. As of Thursday, Cowan was working with the first team.
"I just worry about what I can control," Olson said. "That's my attitude. That's how I work, that's how I prepare myself. I'm just going to come out here and prove that I'm deserving."
Rasshan, who was briefly moved to wide receiver last season, said that he intended to stay at quarterback.
"I let them know I'm content at quarterback, that's where I want to be," Rasshan said. "It's early in the spring. I think they separated where they want to go at this point in time. I just have to continue to hit the playbook and learn as much as I can."
Meanwhile, Chow said that "no big statement has been made. We're just trying to get guys more reps. I keep track every play and everything is charted. But basically you have to go with your gut. We'll know."
When they'll know is unknown. Neuheisel said "our hope is we'll have an idea" by the end of spring practice.
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