A Step Forward For Ben Olson

by Nestor on Jul 5, 2008 9:08 AM PDT

We have some encouraging news from the football front:

UCLA quarterback Ben Olson was cleared by doctors on Thursday, paving the way for his return to the field after missing two months with a broken bone in his foot.

Olson sustained a break in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot on April 24, the final day of spring practice before UCLA's scrimmage. He had a screw inserted on May 6 and was expected to be out until the beginning of July.

"It's a huge relief," Olson said. "Any time you get hurt, you never know how long it will take. You question if you will ever be back. It's nice to feel that it's progressing and we're moving forward."

After being cleared to begin running, Olson began his rehab. He ran six minutes on the treadmill, going in two-minute increments while walking for one minute in between.

Olson said he has been throwing recently but was doing so while stationary. After running on the treadmill, he said threw to several teammates and did some drop-backs, though not at full speed.

Despite all the recent setbacks and the drama he has had to endure since his arrival at UCLA, Olson finally sounds at peace with himself wrt his situation in the football program:

"I'm happy with where I'm at," Olson said. "I'm excited for the chance we have this season and to make the most of it."

That's all we can ask from him at this point.

Let's hope he keeps chipping away and following Chow's advice for UCLA QBs this long off season, which is to spend as much time as possible "in the film room."

GO BRUINS.

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Good Break

Well, maybe Ben Olson and the Bruins get a good break this time- not the kind that rquires an Xray or an MRI. I hope that we depend on Kraft and Forcier too. Norm Chow deserves a good starting Quarterback.

Norm Chow is considered the best. But, I like his statement, “We are not looking for a cure for cancer – we are here to have fun.” I would agree. As to this Bruin fan, I am not looking for the cancer cure. If the offensive game can look good from time to time utilizing the talent we have then I am going to have fun watching them play and call it a great season considering the circumstances (there are circumstances.)

Norm Chow does not deserve flatery. His reputation was built on years of coaching. Nothing he does at UCLA is going to have much affect on what he has already acheived. And it should not. As you gain experience and reputation in most jobs you should be getting better and better talent, resting a bit on your laurels. But Norm Chow has shown that he is more than a great offensive coach – he is a great sport. And the same goes for CRN and the rest of our coaching staff. I am liking them a lot for that.

Go Bruins!

by northbaybruin on Jul 5, 2008 4:08 PM PDT reply actions

Great News

I only wish Ben could have had two years with Coach Chow as Carson Palmer did at South Central. The added time would have been invaluable for his future in the No Fun League.

Ben, I wish you all the best and encourage you to write you name in the history of the rivalry with a W in the Rose Bowl at the end of the season.

Go Get ‘em Big Ben!

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Jul 5, 2008 6:35 PM PDT reply actions