UCLA working on its youth
UCLA FOOTBALL
Bruins coaches try to build experience of young players without breaking their confidence.
There are two sides to a recurring scenario playing out at UCLA these days, the Bruins forced by mounting losses and injuries to go with young players.
As Coach Rick Neuheisel recently pointed out, giving underclassmen experience might pay off next season.
But a defensive back getting burned on a long pass play or a tackle giving up multiple sacks can lose confidence in a lasting way.
"There's always that danger," said offensive line coach Bob Palcic, whose unit is especially green. "That's what we have to do as coaches -- make sure they don't lose confidence in themselves."
Last week's starting lineup at California included freshmen on both sides of the ball: receiver Taylor Embree, offensive tackle Mike Harris, defensive end Datone Jones, linebacker Steve Sloan and free safety Rahim Moore.
So, while Palcic and the other assistants spend the off week focusing on basics such as footwork and conditioning, they're also practicing a little psychology.
"Treat it not as a negative but as a positive learning experience," Palcic said. "Show them where they made a mistake and how they can correct it."
Wharton is a Times staff writer.
david.wharton@latimes.com
