Others step up with Ben Olson out

Ben Olson had his sore right foot X-rayed Sunday morning, but Neuheisel had yet to receive a report on the availability of his No. 1 quarterback. Olson suffered a broken bone in his foot during spring and re-injured it during Saturday's practice.

"We should have some conclusive news later today," Neuheisel said.

But Neuheisel and his staff went through practice preparing for the worst-case scenario.

While community college transfer Kevin Craft moved in with the first team, redshirt freshman Chris Forcier had his status elevated considerably. Forcier took nearly as many snaps with the first team as Craft did and completed six of seven passes with that unit.

Still, the two quarterbacks had embarrassing moments. Both had a pass intercepted by a defensive lineman -- Forcier on a pass that was tipped -- during a two-minute drill.

Junior Osaar Rasshan appears to moved back into contention, as he was given second-team reps over incoming freshmen Kevin Prince and Nick Crissman.

Still, the momentum appeared to be with the nimble Forcier, who ran the Bruins' scout team last season.

"With the prospect of Ben not being available, you see heightened intensity at the quarterback position, " Neuheisel said. "Everybody is understanding that, 'Holy cow, this could really happen. I could be in there.' When that happens it's amazing how the light turns on and people really start focusing."

Forcier's speed and agility certainly are advantages, Neuheisel said. Forcier gained 631 yards rushing as a senior at San Diego St. Augustine High School. In track, he ran the 100 and 200 meters.

That may work well behind an inexperienced offensive line. The UCLA quarterback mantra may be: You can run, but you can't hide.

Forcier demonstrated that during two-minute drills, scrambling to his right and turning up field to pick up first-down yardage.

"You love the guy to be able to make plays with his legs," Neuheisel said. "The truth of the matter is Ben would have been sixth out of six guys in terms of agility and getting out of the way of people. Ben has all the experience and certainly is a gifted player, but these kids can all move. The key is to not to move until you have to."

Camp Notes

Neuheisel said that defensive tackle Brian Price might have suffered a "slight concussion" but was awaiting further tests. Price remained on the sidelines Sunday morning. . . . Defensive tackle Jerzy Siewierski returned to practice two days after leaving because of dehydration. . . . Tackle Nate Chandler, a converted tight end, was working with the first team Sunday morning, which allowed Nick Ekabatani to move to guard.

chris.foster@latimes.com