College Football Preview: Will UCLA Challenge in 2007?

UCLA certainly has a great situation at quarterback where Ben Olsen and Patrick Cowan are both return. Each is very capable with Olsen getting the nod to begin 2007.

Whoever is at quarterback will be turning and the handing the football off to Chris Markey, back after rushing for over 1,000 yards last season in addition to 35 receptions. Kahlil Bell is a gifted backup who will spell Markey.

When UCLA puts the football in the air, the Bruin quarterback will have a talented group of receivers at their disposal. Marcus Everett and Brandon Breazell are back at receiver and Logan Paulsen return to man his tight end post.

The Bruins will have possibly their best OL in many years with Alerskey Lanis, Shannon Tevega, Chris Joseph and Noah Sutherland all returning going from right tackle to left guard respectively. Look for Micah Kia to be the new left tackle.

Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker did wonders with the UCLA defense last season improving the unit as many as eighty spots in some categories and the Bruins return 10 starters from that unit. The front is formidable and runs well to the football with end, Bruce Davis, in place after racking up a dozen sacks in 2006. Kevin Brown and Brigham Harwell form the middle of the line with Nikola Dragovic back at the other end post.

UCLA is loaded at linebacker as well with Reggie Carter, Aaron Whittington, and Christian Taylor all back in 2007. However, as formidable as the UCLA front 7 is, it is the talent-laden secondary where the Bruins are the most gifted. Cornerbacks Trey Brown and Rodney Van give opposing quarterbacks very few places to safely throw the football and Dennis Keyes and Chris Horton are back at the safety spots.

The departure of Justin Medlock has left the Bruins without a proven placekicker. Kai Forbath appears to be the guy. Aaron Perez is back at punter after averaging over 42 yards per kick in 2007.

CONCLUSION: The Bruins knocked off cross-town rival, USC, at the end of last season and will be a tough out for any opponent in 2007 ........ likely even tougher.