Spring Football News & Notes: Cowan Steps Up

by Nestor on Apr 13, 2008 8:13 AM PDT in Football

It looks like CRN and Chow are getting close to naming the starter for our football team. And all signs point towards number 12:

Coach Rick Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow have not committed to a decision publicly, but sources within the program said they have decided to go with Cowan over Ben Olson and Kevin Craft. That was supported by the fact that Cowan took all the snaps with the No. 1 offensive unit during the Bruins' first scrimmage Saturday

Cowan completed seven of 11 passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

"I'm just trying to get better every day," Cowan said. "No matter who they have me running with, that's all you can do. That's all my focus." [...]

Cowan effectively ran the team during the scrimmage, throwing an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end Logan Paulsen and a 14-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Everett.

"There are always things you need to work on," Cowan said. "I'm trying to get on the same page with Coach Chow a little more. There's a play here and there where I was thinking one thing and he was thinking the other thing."

Per Brian Dohn in the Daily News, CRN acknowledged that PC is the starter for the time being:

"We're giving Pat the first chance," Neuheisel said. "We haven't made any decisions yet. We're just trying to see where it goes from there. If it gets to a position where we have to switch it over, then we have to switch it over." [...]

Neuheisel said the decision was made after evaluating the quarterbacks during the first week of spring practice.

"We felt like (Cowan) was ahead," Neuheisel said. "But it's important that you add to that, that no decision has been made. Somebody's got to (play with the first team), and we chose him."

Here was the reaction from Ben Olson:

Olson expressed frustration about the rapidity of the decision. But he made it clear his frustration wasn't at losing the job, but was about whether the opportunity to win it existed.

"It's disappointing. It's definitely very disappointing," Olson said. "It's one of those things where all you ask for is a fair opportunity, and you can pretty much figure out after fourdays of spring ball, where you're learning new stuff it's pretty tough to feel like you've been given a fair shot.

"That's all you ask for as a player, and that's my opinion. Whatever the coaches decide to do, it's their choice. They are going to do what they feel is the best for the team." [...]

"You would hope you would be given a chance," Olson said. "You would hope they wouldn't make up their minds after four days of spring practice. Again, I can't control that. I have to stay positive and keep plowing through. But it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's going on."

Hmm. I have to say as someone who have gone out of way to protect BO from criticisms at least here on BN, those comments are pretty disappointing. I understand BO is a competitor and is frustrated with the results of the early competition. However, there is no need to air those frustrations out and direct them towards the coaches in public. They should be done behind closed doors within in team. BO needs to stay composed with his comments in public, and do what he can to chip away on the practice field.

Otherwise, if BO stays on this current track of airing out his frustrations in public, it will not be a surprise if Craft passes him in the depth chart, and he will only have himself to blame for it. So hopefully BO gets it together and focus on competing out there and give everything he has on the field, and paying attention to the details off the field, and forget about talking it out and waging some kind of campaign via the local press. Given how injury prone the QBs are in Pac-10, it's in the best interest for the team and himself to do everything he can to be stay mentally sharp during meetings, practices, and be ready to step up when situation presents itself. If he stays patient he will get his chance to shine. That's what PC did over last three years and it has paid off for him to date (in terms of respect for his team-mates and memorable moments despite being handicapped by a poor offensive coaching staff before the current regime stepped in).

One kid who has been focused in a zone at spring practice has been Christian Ramirez. CR has been making most of his opportunities as Carter and Bell are still rehabbing from injuries. He had another great day yesterday per Dohn:

Junior running back Christian Ramirez ran 10 times for 54 yards in the scrimmage, and showed an ability to run outside and between the tackles.

"I think Ramirez is a great player. I think he's going to be a factor for us in the fall," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "He's got great vision and explosiveness in the hole, and he's been as good as anybody at making people miss. And he's got a little burst to the outside."

While the QB situation is coming to focus in the offensive unit, over at the defensive side right now there is no dispute re. who is the QB among our LBs. From Foster (linked above):

The "quarterback" on the other side of the ball was an easy decision, as Reggie Carter is replacing Christian Taylor at middle linebacker.

His attributes are easy to see, and describe.

"He is real good at grabbing big guys and throwing them away real quick," linebackers coach Chuck Bullough said. "He has a knack for it."

Where Carter is trying to improve is in other areas.

"Just knowing everybody's assignments," Carter said. "I know all the calls, but the defensive line sometimes has mechanics problems, so I have to make sure everyone is lined up and doing their job before I do mine."

Love Reggie's game. I think if he has the mental part of the game down as well as Taylor did, he has the potential to become one of the best ever to wear the UCLA uniform.

Also speaking of LBs, UCLA received an oral commitment from Bishop Amat of La Puente linebacker Isaiah Bowens (who was being pursued by Texas A&M and Southern Cal). Now if we can get some OL talent lined up for next year, I will be a happy camper.

GO BRUINS.

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Olson, Ramirez

Glad to see Christian moving up in the world. Had too see this coming for Olson though. With the o-line sketcht at best, we weren't going to be abl to go with a straight dropback QB.
Note: #41 Rush will have mri monday for mcl from saturday's srimmage. Too bad, he had been getting most reps after Theriot at fullback. He'll miss the rest of spring.

by kauwildman on Apr 13, 2008 9:08 AM PDT 0 recs

Disappointing

is a good word to describe BO's comments. Not sure what he's implying by the "It doesn't take a genius" remark. What, that the coaching staff decided ahead of time that PC was the guy, and on-practice-field performance had nothing to do with it?

Even if CRN and staff have tentatively decided after 1 week, it seems perfectly in keeping with the competition, tough money, and step-up-or-step-aside mantras that they've been preaching.

Come on, Ben. Snap down that chin strap and SHOW us what you've got.

by Bruinut on Apr 13, 2008 9:09 AM PDT 0 recs

Huh?

I've defended BO as well. I didn't think that labeling him as a total failure was just considering how the previous coaching staff was not putting him in a position to succeed. However, this is very disappointing. I don't know the entire story but sounds like a lot of whining. I didn't hear anything like this from Cowan when he lost the job to BO. Hopefully this doesn't cause a rift in our team or destorys any morale.

by BlueReign on Apr 13, 2008 9:28 AM PDT 0 recs

said it before, i'll say it again

i've never understood the ben olson hype.

i was holding out hope for craft, just because he's a new face. but cowan is a strong-willed, heady player. question is: can he make it through a season without tearing something?

by jjreicher on Apr 13, 2008 9:48 AM PDT 0 recs

Whether Olson was a hype or not

and even considering his bad luck with injuries, KD has to take a lot of blame for forcing him to play the WCO and thereby retarding his development. A coach looks around at the talent he has on hand, and devises an offensive or defensive scheme to fit the personnel. This is exactly what RN is currently doing. And that is the reason for favoring the more mobile Cowan due to current deficiencies in the OL.

KD should have gone with a drop-back type of offensive scheme to utilize Olson more effectively.

However, we all know that KD was incapable of devising anything, period. He didn't even fully understand what the hell the WCO was all about. I really think he just thought it was a cool term to throw about, WCO. Yeah, sounds good. Let's go with it no matter what. Dorrell brings the WCO to UCLA, what a nice headline.

Olson should not be upset at RN. He should, instead, be furious with KD.

by bluegold on Apr 13, 2008 10:18 AM PDT 0 recs

Wait, Dorrell is to blame for personality?

I understand that Dorrell didn't have a particularly good offensive system in place (though it's not as if Drew Olson was particularly fleet of foot, and he had some success his senior year). But whatever the cause for the fact that BO has yet to live up to the hype, his reaction to this decision is on nobody but Olson himself.

Somebody noted above that when Cowan lost the job last spring, after beating USC, he didn't raise a ruckus. He just went back to work, and gave his best effort when his opportunity arose. He led the team to wins over UW and Cal, before injuries and a weak offensive scheme caused Cowan (and the team) to struggle against WSU and UofA, after which he went down for several games. Dorrell then brought Pat back onto the field against USC, hoping to once again capture the magic that saved his job in 2006, only for Cowan to be injured AGAIN - he played the Cal, WSU, and Zona games with a still-unhealed torn ligament in his right knee.

Going back through Olson's quotes, and reading through the lines in quotes by the players, suggests that this is a mentality that's not brand new. Should it have been stamped out before now? Perhaps, but sometimes you can't force people to change, at which point you have to reassess their value to your organization.

I think going with Cowan is the right decision. Not only will he be getting the chance to play while reasonably healthy for the first time in what seems like ages, but he seems to inspire his teammates to work harder. That's the sign of a leader, which is vital at the QB spot. Let's not make this about the past regime. This is about the players and coaches on the field right NOW.

Im OK..

I love Pat. He gives the team some mobility at the QB position, unlike BO. And I think he even has a stronger arm than BO. Plus, BO just doesn't look confident back there like Pat. Another thing about BO is that he never looks off the throw. Makes it easy for a DB to read the play. Plus, Pat has been my hero since the SUC game!

Go UCLA!

by madmaxucla on Apr 13, 2008 10:26 AM PDT 0 recs

Neu is crafty

I think Chow and Neu made a strategic decision to name Cowan as the "soft" starter now. If you notice, they are really saying that Cowan has earned the first shot at winning the starting job; not that he has already won it. I think they are doing this to motivate Olson to raise his game. Looking at the last 2 years, Olson has not exactly produced after being handed the job fairly early in the process.

By making Olson start from the second spot, I think Neu and Chow are hoping that Olson gets motivated by the perceived slight and starts to produce. If he doesn't, or if he reacts by becoming a whiny little bitch, nothing is lost and you already have Cowan (who hopefully does get a confidence boost from being named the early front runner) getting a head start on becoming better.

The reality is both of these guys have remarkably similar (and unremarkably mediocre) completion percentages, touchdowns and interceptions stats for their careers. By mixing it up and flipping their places on the early depth chart, maybe one of the two will finally start to perform better.

by Koach Karl I on Apr 13, 2008 11:44 AM PDT 0 recs

Good stuff

Pretty smart observations. And no pun intended with "Crafty" - right? lol

by Nestor on Apr 13, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

Koach Karl?

Coach George Karl?

by bruin8uclap on Apr 13, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up 0 recs

'Ole Ball Koach

has been around here since the fkd.com days. It's just nice to see that we finally have a head coach and staff that will fog a mirror when you put it in front of their mouths . . .

by Koach Karl I on Apr 13, 2008 9:29 PM PDT up 0 recs

"Perceived Slight"

Love that line. I use that to explain my 3 y.o. son to my wife when he whines/cries for no apparent reason.

by UCLAMD89 on Apr 14, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up 0 recs

BO and KD

My contacts who are enthusiastic and beneficial supports of UCLA football told me back when BO committed to UCLA that KD's future would ride on BO's back. If BO does well, KD would "make it" as the UCLA HC. Since to date, BO has had a combination of bad injury luck and a lack of "moxie" at times on the field, KD is gone and now the new coaching staff is responsible for dealing with the consequences. IMO, BO does have an NFL arm, but is short in other areas. PC, OTOH, has the rest, but has been lacking in arm strength. Leadership on the field is critical and both NC and RN see which one has it and which one has yet to show it. Additionally, last year when UCLA chose to start a walk-on QB in a critical game, the door shut on any allowances for KD and his staff, IMO.
Bill

BillSouthBay

by BillSouthBay on Apr 13, 2008 12:29 PM PDT 0 recs

Good riddance

BO needs to go take a seat on the end of the bench. Pretty immature for a 38 year old.

by chaphill1 on Apr 13, 2008 1:49 PM PDT 0 recs

I don't recall LMR complaining about KL starting

BO should learn from LMR on teamwork. Recognize that someone might be better than you, but still work just as hard to get playing time and contribute to the success of the team. That's why we all love the guy and gave him a standing ovation on senior day.

by mark the bruin on Apr 13, 2008 2:43 PM PDT 0 recs

Ben's comments...

...might reveal a lack (so far, anyway) of the "intangibles" that turn guys into winners in the college game. I wouldn't be surprised if he came to UCLA expecting to be a rockstar and hasn't been able to become a team guy. PC, on the other hand, has almost ALWAYS been the underdog, and perhaps that's had the effect of making him scrap and claw for everything he's gotten.

If this assessment is close, my guess is the team responds better to Pat because they see him out there working his butt off and taking nothing for granted. I know who I'd rather be taking my cues from.

by bruinchick on Apr 13, 2008 4:10 PM PDT 0 recs

I've said it before...

and I'll say it again, inside sources all tell me that the players just like to play for Cowan more so than they do for Olsen. That is not to say that Cowan is the more talented QB, but he does have that intangible which is very important, yes?

by bruin8uclap on Apr 13, 2008 8:05 PM PDT up 0 recs

Good Comments

PC simply motivates the team when he's in at QB. Every player seems to give extra effort when PC is at the helm - I think this is obviuos to everybody.

The characteristics that make PC so good actually hurt him in some ways. The guy goes all out on every play, causing him to take a lot of hits. His teammates respect this and play hard for him (since they see his relentless effort). Although this effort often leads, unfortunately, to injury. I don't think you can take the fight out of PC so we must be prepared for an injury more so than for the usual QB.

BO needs to stay prepared b/c he will get a chance - PC will likely get injured at some point. I wish he would stop complaining and start working on

Speeding up his delivery - he hangs onto the ball for a long time (and gets sacked).
Looking off DBs - it's really easy to tell who he wants to throw to.
Becoming a better teammate - so that the team is ready to fight and give their maximal effort for him. Look at your fellow QB, PC and follow his example.
Improving his quickness - he is pretty slow, may be he can do some drills to help (this may be difficult to improve).

by shaq on Apr 13, 2008 4:21 PM PDT 0 recs

Doesn't surprise me...

I have read statements where Chow says he doesn't care about arm strength or release. He is all about the intangibles like decision making and leadership. In these areas PC is way ahead of BO. You can see it in the way the team responds to each when they are in the game. I think perhaps BO thought he would be able to keep riding on his laurels and the coaching staff is giving him a wake up call.

by makenji on Apr 13, 2008 5:55 PM PDT 0 recs

WOOO!

Pretty immature for a 38 year old? I think Ben Olson is just 25 years old. Don't you confuse this Olson with some other Olsen? Like the author of 'Great Trainers Make It Happen': http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=96619&ru=279 , I am amused! LoL! I think the bottom line is people shouldn't be calling Olson a bust. When he has time, he can deliver the goods...he just rarely has time...

by euniedigm on Apr 13, 2008 8:54 PM PDT 0 recs

Wow! This is too critical for my taste.

Let's see if I get this right.

Last year SPJ (a name I always hated). This year SPS? (South Paw Satan)

Cut the guy some slack. Gee, he's not perfect. He got frustrated and talked to a reporter.

He didn't damn his team or his competition. He just expressed frustration over the way a temporary decision seems to have been made. I'll bet if he could, he'd take back what he said. And, maybe he'll learn to avoid talking to the press -- since no good can come from it.

This is a player who has been absolutely screwed over by the coaching staff since he got here. If he doesn't go into the new regime full of trust, it is understandable.

I'm less upset by what he said than I am with all of these negative posts about BO's lack of talent and leadership potential.

Sorry, but I don't buy it. All of those reactions are based upon his play in a failed scheme and behind a failing offensive line. The reason PC seemed better -- he could run away from the rush.

BO has the better arm and talent for a drop back system in which there is a modicum of blocking. That's not what we did in his two years here.

And, we not only misused his talent but also subjected him to serious injuries.

And, now we are calling him out? Challenging his talent?

Chill a bit. BO will be in the competition in the spring and I think he may well win it. I agree with Koach Karl that what's happening may be a calculated challenge to motivate him. To let him know that if he wants to be the first string QB he'll have to turn it up a notch. That's what coaches do.

I trust this coaching staff to make the right decision. But, that decision won't be made until September.

In the mean time, nothing productive will come from attacking BO. He is a Bruin. No one can question what he's put on the line for us in the past years.

I think we should let this play out.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Apr 13, 2008 8:59 PM PDT 0 recs

Great post

I agree that there's probably some gamesmanship going on at Spaulding, and for all we know it could be Ben taking the field against the Vols.

I'm skeptical that of the idea that Ben would be out of the running for the number one slot simply because I'm assuming Neuheisel and Chow would like to develop Ben into the player we were told he would become but did not under Dorrell.

My interpretation of Pat getting "first chance" is that Neuheisel and co. think he's earned the right to prove himself. I don't see this as a done deal.

That said, Ben does have a bit of an injury history so Pat's going to have to be prepared to get some playing time regardless of who starts on opening day.

by FreewayBruin03 on Apr 13, 2008 10:26 PM PDT 0 recs

espn flashed Cowan as the starter!

I thought CRN was leaning toward Cowan, but left the door open. I guess my reading comprehension skills have diminished. In CRN we trust.

by PasadenaBruin on Apr 14, 2008 12:34 AM PDT 0 recs

just remember, BO

a quarterback needs to be mentally tough as well as physically. These two guys are going to reward the position for sure to the one with both aspects to his game. If Norm can tweak certain aspects to Pat's game, then look out; he already has the mental part down.

by bruin95 on Apr 14, 2008 1:06 AM PDT 0 recs

Who the hell does Ben Olson think he is?

Alright, so aside from the fact that I am completely sick of the anti-climactic quarterbacks we've suffered since Drew Olson left, Who the hell does Ben Olson think he is.

First off, Ben, You've had soo many chances, not to mention u were named the starter last year, you've had plenty of time to show us and the rest of the nation how you can implode as a quarterback.

Ben's injuries were problems enough, the fact that he hasn't been able to prove to anyone outside of practices that he belongs in the starting position demonstrates his lack-of intensity, intelligence on the field, and being able to make it happen when it counts. We're talking about a quarterback who finished the season with 6 games, 7 TDs and 6 Interceptions.

Sorry Ben, at this point I'd rather throw Craft in front of you after the Utah fiasco during the season (Utah 44, UCLA 6 Final Score). And until you realize that you've choked at your fair share of opportunities and Show us that you're beyond prepared, I'm going to have faith in Norm Chow and Rick Neuheisel.

by UCLAF4N on Apr 14, 2008 4:18 PM PDT 0 recs

Is that the same Utah fiasco where...

...he may have suffered a concussion part of the way through the game?

In all seriousness, though, I don't think the offense we had really gave him the opportunity to prove himself. It gave him the opportunity to get beat up - not much else.

by SuperBruinMan on Apr 14, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up 0 recs