This sure doesn't help out a very weak UCLA secondary.
Sources: UCLA football coach Neuheisel suspends starting strong safety for opener vs. Tennessee
By Brian Dohn, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 07/17/2008 04:42:32 AM PDT
UCLA's inexperienced secondary will be without its lone senior for the Sept. 1 season opener against Tennessee after coach Rick Neuheisel suspended starting strong safety Bret Lockett for one game, according to sources.
The decision came after Lockett, a senior, violated the team's academic policy.
He will be allowed to participate in training camp, and he is expected back when the Bruins travel to BYU on Sept. 13 for their second game of the season.
With Lockett unavailable, red-shirt freshman Glenn Love is the early leader to start at strong safety, but it could force defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker to shift his personnel for the opener.
Lockett's suspension could also provide talented incoming freshman Rahim Moore with an opportunity for significant playing time immediately. Neuheisel is vacationing and could not be reached for comment.
Lockett, who spent the past two seasons as Dennis Keyes' backup, was preparing for his second career start. He made 12 tackles last season, and has 21 in his career.
He has been attending the voluntary 7-on-7 passing drills the team conducts in the offseason, but he has not participated in them.
Although he does not have a lot of experience, his senior leadership was being counted on against Tennessee. Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner is the only returning starter in the secondary after the Bruins lost safeties Chris Horton and Keyes and cornerback Trey Brown to graduation.
By Brian Dohn, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 07/17/2008 04:42:32 AM PDT
UCLA's inexperienced secondary will be without its lone senior for the Sept. 1 season opener against Tennessee after coach Rick Neuheisel suspended starting strong safety Bret Lockett for one game, according to sources.
The decision came after Lockett, a senior, violated the team's academic policy.
He will be allowed to participate in training camp, and he is expected back when the Bruins travel to BYU on Sept. 13 for their second game of the season.
With Lockett unavailable, red-shirt freshman Glenn Love is the early leader to start at strong safety, but it could force defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker to shift his personnel for the opener.
Lockett's suspension could also provide talented incoming freshman Rahim Moore with an opportunity for significant playing time immediately. Neuheisel is vacationing and could not be reached for comment.
Lockett, who spent the past two seasons as Dennis Keyes' backup, was preparing for his second career start. He made 12 tackles last season, and has 21 in his career.
He has been attending the voluntary 7-on-7 passing drills the team conducts in the offseason, but he has not participated in them.
Although he does not have a lot of experience, his senior leadership was being counted on against Tennessee. Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner is the only returning starter in the secondary after the Bruins lost safeties Chris Horton and Keyes and cornerback Trey Brown to graduation.