OL Reinforcements Coming

by Nestor on Nov 29, 2008 5:52 AM PST

Even without the aid of recruiting, UCLA's porous offensive line should receive an upgrade with the return of one starter, and the availability of another potential starter, next season.

A key component to the 2009 starting line is Colorado transfer Kai Maiava, who had to sit out this season under NCAA rules. He is ticketed to start at center next season.

"I think Maiava has toughness and I think he has real good strength," UCLA offensive coach Bob Palcic said. "I think he has a chance to be a very good center, but that's all speculation."

Maiava started last season on the offensive line at Colorado, but was moved to fullback in the spring. Unhappy about the move, Maiava transferred to UCLA in the summer, but was not eligible to play this season.

"I just wish I could go out and help my fellow players out there and do some hard work, but I jut have to accept my role, I guess," Maiava said. "I feel like I can contribute, maybe bring a new style, a new attitude. That's about it."

Also, the Bruins are expected to have Sean Sheller in the mix. He was slated to be the starting right tackle this season but injured his knee in an off-road vehicle accident in the summer. He missed this season, but his rehab from reconstructive knee surgery has him on track to participate in spring practice.

Sheller, a junior, was recently cleared to run and has regained much of his pre-injury weight and is at 280 pounds.

The news re. Sheller is uplifting. It will be wonderful to see him make a comeback.

Don't forget how the coaches are scouring the JC ranks for reinforcements as well.

I can't wait for Palcic and co. to work with all the new blood coming into the program. Getting the new guys in place will definitely help the coaches in implement the much needed "culture change" in this program.

GO BRUINS.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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Comments

O-Line

Others have said it, but the offense starts and ends with the O-Line.

Yes, Craft is not a good QB. Tom Craft can’t be mouthing off after last night. Those terrible INTs were not the result of rushed throws.

BUT, with a solid and healthy O-LIne, we can actually run the ball, if we choose, instead of always having to rely on our passing game. And our QB—whoever it is—will complete more passes if given more time to throw. Also, a great O-Line can turn mediocre RBs into stars.

Geez, what a horribly miserable game that was. ASU was easily beatable. Thank God for our defense and Forbath.

by Barnes2JJ on Nov 29, 2008 8:06 AM PST reply actions

Receiver reinforcements

Two 2009 Bruin receiver recruits had great games last night. In a semi-final game of the Hawaii State Championships in Honolulu, my alma mater #1 Punahou beat #4 Farrington 35-28, with key contributions from UCLA-bound Dalton Hilliard and Robbie Toma. Hilliard had 13 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns, while Toma had 9 receptions for 124 yards and one offensive TD. Both Hilliard and Toma, who occasionally play safety on defense, also had key interceptions. Hilliard’s came in the third quarter and stopped a big Farrington drive. Toma’s was even bigger. With Farrington on the move to tie the score with 15 seconds left, Toma stepped in front of a pass and returned it 74 yards for the security touchdown.

Another player UCLA is recruiting, linebacker Manti T’eo, anchored a Punahou defense which held Farrington’s powerful rushing attack (338 yards last week) to just 140 yards on the ground. T’eo also had a score on offense.

Punahou will now play defending state champs Leilehua next Friday for the state D1 title.

by FilmBruin on Nov 29, 2008 8:39 AM PST reply actions

My HS friends and I will definitely be listening

on a webcast…just like when we lost to Kahuku a few years ago. Can’t wait to see Toma and Hilliard (and maybe Manti) in a different shade of blue and gold.

by Tydides on Nov 29, 2008 12:31 PM PST up reply actions