Bruins' freshmen have veteran receivers on their toes
UCLA FOOTBALL
The competition is intense this year among UCLA's wide receivers.
UCLA receivers Ryan Graves and Gavin Ketchum have to look back over the shoulders. Not for the ball -- for the competition.
At the wide-receiver positions, there has been a significant push by newcomers.
Taylor Embree seemingly is catching everything thrown between Wilshire and Sunset. Jerry Johnson has come on strong after the first week. Nelson Rosario has shown circus-catch ability. Antwon Moutra is big and solid, but with sure hands.
What's a letterman to do?
"It is definitely more intense this year," said Ketchum, who missed nine games last season with an ankle injury. "There are no safe jobs as far as the wideouts go. People are getting replaced; people are fighting for spots. When you get on the field, you want everyone to be good, but you want to be great."
Senior Marcus Everett, who is returning for a fifth season after an ankle injury in 2007, and juniors Terrence Austin and Dominique Johnson appear to have secure spots. Then come veterans Graves, a senior, and Ketchum, a junior, who are being pushed.
"In order for us to be a better wide receiver group, we need this competition," Graves said. "The freshmen are all athletic kids, and they are all fast. It makes you work harder. In order to be a great team, it has to be this way."
Graves, who has three career receptions, all in 2007, has shown reliability in camp, dropping few passes.
"I got an opportunity, and I'm trying to take it," Graves said. "I have to run proper routes and not make rookie mistakes. I'm a senior and this is my last go-around."
The kids are OK
The four freshmen receivers may have a bright future, but for now none are looking too much beyond the present.
"We talk some, that 'Wow we got such a great receiving corps,' " Moutra said. "But it's not so much looking at years from now. We want to help the team now. I have no doubt I have what it takes, but it's up to the coaches. I just have to make sure I do what is asked of me."
PAT drill
Quarterback Patrick Cowan, who had knee surgery last week, was at practice Tuesday. Cowan, who is on crutches, will join the team as a student assistant once he is able.
chris.foster@latimes.com
