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Freshman wide receiver Terrence Austin is one of the many UCLA freshman expecting to see signific

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Jeremy McGee knew he would eventually be a big factor for the Bruins. He just didn’t think it would happen so soon.

McGee and a handful of other freshmen will be called upon to fill some important roles defensively early on this season, starting with the season-opener against Utah. These first-years will get an immediate shot to make an impact, not only because of injuries, but also based on their progress through training camp.

“That was a big shock to me, playing in the first game,” McGee said. “I thought it would be down the line that I would be playing.”

McGee and fellow newcomers such as Alterraun Verner have stepped into high-profile roles that most freshman never experience, as the secondary will have to recover from the absence of some key players, including junior Michael Norris.

McGee, who was primarily an offensive threat in high school in New Orleans, had come in expecting to be fighting for a spot as the No. 3 running back and even as a kick returner. But injuries prompted the team to switch the multitalented player over to the defensive side, where he will see plenty of playing time in the secondary.

“He is slowly getting better and better,” coach Karl Dorrell said of McGee’s move to the defense. “He has a special knack, understands the game and he can play a lot of positions. That’s why his value in our program is really important.”

Even though he has had to make the move to defense just a couple of weeks before the season begins, the precocious freshman feels he will be able to catch up in time for the game against the Utes.

Being a primarily offensive weapon in the past has allowed McGee to make the transition a bit more smoothly.

“Since I played offense, I can recognize the routes the receivers are running because I used to run those routes,” McGee said. “It’ll give me a better jump on defense. If they start running a hitch, well, I used to run those, so I know what it looks like.”

Joining McGee in the secondary will be Verner, who has impressed the coaching staff throughout the training camp enough to solidify his position as a regular on the defensive unit.

And while his preseason has been encouraging, Verner is still taken aback by his rise to the top of the depth chart.

“I was a little shocked that I was this far up on the depth chart,” Verner said. “But then again, I was prepared, and I’m ready for it. Now that I have this opportunity, I’m going to make the best of it.”

Verner’s ascent is attributed to his dedication and his ability to step right into the defensive scheme without missing a beat, a rare trait in freshmen. His ability to come in and adjust to the college game is something Dorrell appreciates in the first-year player, though the real test will come when the Bruins finally take the field Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

“Verner has been a bright spot since he has arrived here,” Dorrell said. “He has been very entrenched with what we’ve been doing defensively.”