UCLA football preview: defensive backs
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Reggie Carter, the UCLA football team’s rah-rah spokesman at the Pacific 10 Conference media day, risked hyperbole accusations when asked about the Bruins’ secondary.
“Aaron Hester, it’s probably going to be like a coming out party for him this season,” Carter said. “He is he probably going to be one of the best corners in the country. The way he can play football, he’s so young, it’s amazing.”
Among the best in the nation? Really, Reggie?
It is unlikely that Hester, a redshirt freshman, will get much national attention this season. Next season? Well, that’s another matter.
Carter is just ahead of the curve on this one. Anyone who spent time around Spaulding Field during spring practice saw the high-end potential the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Hester possesses. He has sprinters’ speed an aggressive style and more than a little panache.
He has not played in a college game yet, so there will be mistakes. He will be tested, especially with Alterraun Verner, one of the conference’s top cover men, at the other corner. But as Hester matures, spectacular plays are likely to come.
With Verner and Hester at the corners, the Bruins should be able to gamble more, depending on their skills in man coverage.
Their jobs will be made easier by free safety Rahim Moore, who started all 12 games as a freshman and has displayed his own set of impressive skills. He and Hester are close to being Siamese twins, even joking during spring practice that they are actually brothers.
As with every spot on the defense, depth is a concern. The Bruins lack numbers at cornerback, though incoming freshmen may help, particularly speedster Sheldon Price.
The big question is at strong safety. Glenn Love, a redshirt sophomore, Tony Dye, who played in 11 games as a freshman, and Aaron Ware, a senior who can play both safeties, will compete.
The Bruins ranked eighth nationally, giving up only 167.7 passing yards a game. Of course, that in part was due to the fact opposing teams had little need to throw at times. The Bruins gave up 200 or more yards rushing in six games.
This season, teams may not want to throw the ball too often against the Bruins.
-- Chris Foster
Aug. 1: quarterbacks
Sunday: running backs
Monday: wide receivers
Tuesday: tight ends
Wednesday: offensive line
Thursday: defensive line
Friday: linebackers
Sunday: special teams
