Through much of UCLA’s training camp, there was growing optimism that the return of a healthy Kevin Brown would provide the Bruins with a run stuffer. As it turns out, Brown, a redshirt junior who missed all of last season with a broken ankle, will not be tackling the same role he assumed as a sophomore in 2004. Kenneth Lombard will be the starting nose tackle for the season opener against Utah on Saturday instead of Brown, playing alongside defensive tackle Brigham Harwell. Although Lombard had entered camp as the No.1 nose tackle, ahead of Brown on the depth chart, it was speculated that Brown would regain the starting job and have an opportunity to be the dominant player he was showing signs of becoming prior to his ankle injury in 2005. But when the official depth charts for the first game were announced on Monday, Lombard was ahead of Brown. UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said that the decision was a referendum on Lombard’s strong play, and not lingering questions about Brown’s health. In fact, Dorrell stated that Brown would now have an opportunity to shuffle around the line and play both tackle spots. “(Lombard) has been very productive,” Dorrell said. “He is a guy who can play any position on the defensive line, both ends and both tackle positions; he’s our most versatile player with a great motor.” Lombard is excited for the chance to disprove the critics’ belief that at 6’1” and 260 pounds he is too small to stop the run in the Pac-10. “Brigham, Chase (Moline) and Kevin all have a lot of experience so I knew coming into camp I was going to have to work really hard to maintain my spot,” Lombard said. “In spring, Brigham was really limited and Kevin didn’t play at all so I knew I had to prove something in camp. “I felt a little more pressure this year. It’s different as a starter because you feel that push every day. When somebody else makes a big play, you are watching and feel like you have to do the same.” For Brown, it’s a disappointment to know that he is fully recovered and in good condition but still couldn’t overtake Lombard for the top spot. But UCLA regularly rotates players in on the line, and he knows it’s just a matter of time before he gets a chance to show whether he should be the guy. “I didn’t feel any envy toward anyone,” Brown said. “I know everybody worked hard, so it’s okay. I’m back as much as I think I should be, I’m able, and I can’t wait for that first game and get that game experience.” CARTER HOLDS IT: Redshirt freshman Reggie Carter has also been named the starting weak side linebacker for the season opener, holding off competition from senior Eric McNeal to be the only starting freshman on either side of the ball. Carter had an impressive camp, showcasing a brand of speed and playmaking ability that hadn’t exactly been the staple of UCLA defense in 2005. Carter and McNeal had been rotating in with the first and second units, but Carter was elevated to the first team two days before the Aug. 20 intrasquad scrimmage and held on to the job ever since. “I had a pretty good camp, it could always be better. I made enough plays to get the job. You always want to make plays. I take pride in that and hope to continue it,” Carter said.
TIGHT END STILL OPEN: Logan Paulsen has been named the starting tight end against Utah on Saturday, but Dorrell conceded that anyone’s playing time at the position is far from secure. Paulsen, a sophomore, was elevated to starter after senior J.J Hair and Ryan Moya missed parts of camp with leg injuries. Hair participated in limited drills on Monday while Moya has returned to play. Hair is mostly a blocking specialist whose role won’t alter much, and the Bruins will use Paulsen and Moya for more passing formations. “It’s still kind of up for grabs,” Dorrell said. “Logan Paulsen has been the last man standing the whole camp and he’s done well. Ryan Moya is getting back into the flow of things, and he’s the most skillful one we have. (Moya’s) hamstring looks to be fine and we’ll get him into the game on Saturday and see if he can make some plays for us.”