The first issue about UCLA's paper-thin depth has been presented to Bruins coaches, who are trying to plug the hole created by the injury to tight end Logan Paulsen.
Paulsen, a 6-foot-6, 260-pound senior, suffered a fractured right foot while making a catch on the Bruins' first offensive series against Tennessee. He is expected to be out at least eight weeks, and might sit out the rest of the season.
It leaves the Bruins crunching numbers at tight end. Ryan Moya, who plays the Bruins F back -- a receiver/blocker who is moved around -- and true freshman Cory Harkey will now try to fill that void.
"Out of Harkey and Ryan, we got to get one guy," offensive coordinator Norm Chow said. "Ryan is a little better receiver, and Harkey is a little better at the point of attack."
Moya had seven receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown in the 27-24 overtime victory over Tennessee. Yet he was less of a physical presence lining up at tight end, as opposed to working out of the backfield.
"Ryan had a good game, at least the pass receiving part of it," Coach Rick Neuheisel said. As for Moya's blocking, Neuheisel said, "He needs to work on it. In his defense, he was playing the F position, our moving tight end. It's no excuse, you have to know all your assignments. But he didn't get much practice time at tight end going into the game."
Playing Moya at tight end takes away from the depth at the F back spot, though Chow said running backs Trevor Theriot and Chane Moline can play that spot.
Harkey's drawback is inexperience. He made his collegiate debut Monday and is now being asked to carry a heavier load.
"My first play out there, I was walking on air," Harkey said. "I was supposed to go block somebody downfield. I didn't get him. But I ran as hard as I could and I got somebody.
"I know there is a lot more being expected of me now. But if the coaches didn't have confidence in me, I wouldn't be out there on the field."
Harkey, 6 feet 4, 240 pounds, was a skilled receiver at Chino Hills High. He had 30 receptions for 473 yards and three touchdowns as a senior. He did not have a reception against Tennessee.
"I think Cory Harkey will be terrific, but he is young," Neuheisel said. "We have to grow him up. That's why we were lucky to have this bye week [before facing Brigham Young]."
More holes to fill
Kahlil Bell's availability will not be known until next week, as the senior tailback is out because of a high ankle sprain.
