Saturday practice report: new drills, more injuries

UCLA had its first two-a-day practice session on Saturday at Spaulding Field with a possible preview of the kicking and end-of-game programs.

While redshirt freshman Kai Forbath, a high school All-American at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, will be the placekicker, sophomore Jimmy Rotstein got in some work on kickoffs. Bruin coach Karl Dorrell indicated that Rotstein may be used in that role, noting he did a good job filling in for then-suspended Justin Medlock in the 2005 Sun Bowl win over Northwestern.

The Bruin offense also practiced the two-minute drill for the first time with Dorrell noting that the first time looked "rough," but that the execution would get better with repetition. "We’ll get ourselves sharpened up and that will be one of the strengths of this team," he said.

As to injuries, guard Shannon Tevaga, fullback Michael Pitre, defensive back Rodney Van and safety Chris Horton didn’t practice today. Wide receiver Terrence Austin suffered a minor injury, believed to be a bone bruise; tests will be taken. Running back Chane Moline suffered a cracked bone in his left hand (he uses his right hand to carry the ball). "He has a cast; he’s got to get used to that cast," said Dorrell, who indicated that while Moline could practice, the coaching staff wants him to get to the point where he is pain-free first.

More to come on Eric Scott’s reinstatement as wide receivers coach . . .