Olson Not Yet Clear-Cut Starter

UCLA sophomore quarterback Ben Olson struggled early but finished strong, and running backs Derrick Williams and Kahlil Bell each had their moments, yet the highlight of the Bruins’ controlled 90-minute scrimmage was the play of their defense on Saturday at Drake Stadium.

“We started off with a little bit of a rough spot for our offense, but then we got into rhythm and started making some plays,” said Coach Karl Dorrell, who has six new coaches on his staff this year and three spring practices remaining next week. “We ran the ball OK and we threw the ball OK.

“It wasn’t the best of scrimmages, but it was pretty competitive and that’s a good sign, at least for our defense. Progress has been made.”

Olson worked with the first-team offense against the No. 1 defense, which played without injured linemen Kevin Brown, Brigham Harwell, Chase Moline and Nikola Dragovic.

Pressured most of the scrimmage, Olson finished with a touchdown pass to Joe Cowan and scrambled for a score, but his performance did not lock down the starting position over fellow sophomore Patrick Cowan, according to Dorrell.

“Is [Olson] the clear-cut [starter]? No,” Dorrell said. “Both of those guys have a lot to add to the table and Pat has done enough this spring that he warrants more [of a chance] to be the guy.”

Olson, who rarely played last season behind senior Drew Olson, said he understood why Dorrell did not officially name him as starter.

“I don’t think anyone really wants anything just handed to them,” said Olson, who turned 23 last month.

“Things that you obtain in life that you don’t work hard for, you really don’t appreciate as much.... I have to go out and prove that I am that guy.”

Cowan, who worked exclusively with the second unit against the No. 2 defense, looked sharp early with impressive completions to walk-on receiver Bobby Whithorne and a touchdown pass to Matt Willis. Cowan ended the scrimmage with a screen pass to Bell for a touchdown.

Scrimmage standouts included Williams, who made a 28-yard run to set up a score, defensive ends Chinonso Anyanwu and William Snead, who combined for at least five sacks, defensive tackle Kenneth Lombard, linebacker Reggie Carter, Willis and Whithorne.