Bruins are happy with development of linebacker Steve Sloan
UCLA FOOTBALL
When Reggie Carter suffered a concussion, the backup Sloan stepped in and made a name for himself with his aggressive style.
The search for silver linings has almost been a daily exercise for the UCLA football team. But one that has not been too much of a reach is the development of backup linebacker Steve Sloan.
UCLA's middle linebacker Reggie Carter suffered a concussion after colliding with tailback Kahlil Bell on Aug. 11. Carter returned to practice Wednesday, but in his absence Sloan's stock rose dramatically.
"I love Sloan," UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said. "It was unfortunate that Reggie was out, but it gave Sloan some good work because this could happen during the regular season."
Sloan, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound redshirt freshman, was a spectator last season and starring three seasons at San Jose Archbishop Mitty High School. He was ranked the No. 2 inside linebacker in California by Rivals.com as a high school senior.
But actions speak louder then rankings.
Twice during training camp, Sloan's aggressive style angered Bruins' running backs, to the point where they threw the football at him after the whistle. That kind of recommendation by an offensive player can look good on a middle linebacker's resume.
But Walker sees brains as well as brawn.
"Our middle linebacker doesn't have to be the greatest athlete, but he has to have toughness and IQ," Walker said. "I see that in Sloan."
All because Carter was injured.
"That wasn't good, but I think I proved I can play if Reggie ever goes down," Sloan said. "I was getting reps with the first team and second team. . . . Instead of watching film of someone else playing out there, I was seeing everything it first hand. You learn more when you play."
Sloan could give Walker more options at linebacker, where he is trying to develop depth. Walker didn't rule out moving Carter back to outside linebacker and using Sloan in the middle if the need arose.
He's no Rockne, but . . .
Coach Rick Neuheisel gave the Bruins a mini pep talk before they broke training camp after practice Wednesday morning.
"I made sure they understand that this is commitment beyond just the time we require them to be on the field and in meetings," Neuheisel said. "To be a great player you have to spend the extra time. Just like professors ask for homework, so do football coaches. You have to find time for it all. . . . I asked a couple guys to stand up because they have been called to the front-line. You have to prepare like starter, act like starter and play like one. To play like one without acting or preparing like one, is terrible mistake."
So when the going gets tough . . .
chris.foster@latimes.com
