Line call at UCLA: SOS
UCLA FOOTBALL
As in 'save our season.' The offensive line is so depleted that the Bruins may turn to untested freshman Jeff Baca for Saturday's game against Arizona.
Here's an indication of just how desperate UCLA is on the offensive line:
Jeff Baca, a freshman just coming back from a strained knee ligament, was running with the first-team offense during practice Tuesday.
Yes, the Bruins' line is so depleted that a player with no college experience, whom UCLA would like to redshirt to save a year of eligibility down the road, could be in the lineup against Arizona on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
Whether he'll actually be used is still in question, but there's no doubt the Bruins are dipping well down the depth chart to find options on the line.
Baca doesn't sound entirely ready. "I'm a little rusty out there," he said after Tuesday's practice, adding: "The speed of the game is huge. You make your first step and some defensive linemen already have two steps on you. Everything is faster, stronger and quicker. Everything.
And, of course, that's just from practice.
However, if Baca does play it probably won't be just a one-and-out tryout. His coaches won't waste a year of eligibility to use him in a spot here or there.
"The coaches have been telling me that if they're going to . . . use my year, it won't be for just a game or two. It will be for the whole year."
Tailback woes
For now, Chane Moline remains the only healthy tailback with experience, at least among the ones UCLA coaches are considering -- walk-on Craig Sheppard is working on the scout team.
Moline has gained 17 yards in 13 carries. Freshman Derrick Coleman was getting a long look during practice Tuesday, but, as with Baca, Coach Rick Neuheisel will have to determine whether using Coleman now is worth burning a year of eligibility.
"We're not committing to changing everything lock, stock and barrel," Neuheisel said. "If it is not a sound solution, then why waste a year of eligibility? I think we want to be careful. Keep an eye on them, develop them and make sure the way these guys are used leads to a productive career."
Neuheisel said Raymond Carter (knee) and Aundre Dean (ankle) will test their injuries today to see whether they will be available Saturday. Senior Kahlil bell (ankle) worked out briefly but remains doubtful for the game.
chris.foster@latimes.com
