written by Bill Canter

STRENGTHS
Although the puzzle is not nearly complete, some key pieces are in place for the 2002 season. Personal problems and general decay of team morale and focus kept quarterback Cory Paus from progressing last season after an outstanding sophomore performance. He seems more focused going into his senior year, in part due to a stiff challenge at the helm from redshirt freshman John Sciarra. The young tailback talent is intriguing and a speedy surprise might emerge in the backfield although departed DeShaun Foster and Matt Stanley leave a big gap. The strength of this Bruin offense, the enormous and experienced offensive line, should serve the new runners well and help keep the defense fresh during games. It is hard to remember a UCLA squad that did not have fine receiving depth. This will again probably emerge rapidly behind standout Tab Perry. Tight end Mike Seidman is primed for a big season and could emerge into All-Conference if not higher honors at season's end.

CONCERNS
Quarterback Cory Paus showed glaring inconsistency as a junior after a fine sophomore year. He will be challenged by athletic redshirt John Sciarra, son of a former UCLA quarterback great. Life in the backfield after DeShaun Foster will be a crucial question mark going into the 2002 season. Three prep All-American redshirt freshman may challenge for playing time if Akil Harris or Manuel White do not emerge. UCLA will be hard pressed to find a replacement for Brian Poli-Dixon at receiver; depth will be needed to take the double teams off go-to-guy Tab Perry. The offensive line will have to continue its effective play, particularly with question marks created by Foster's departure. All told, whether this offense can keep up with other high scoring conference contenders will depend on Paus as the catalyst and new talent at tailback emerging fast. A great Pac Ten offense is not likely to rise up. Quarterback consistency along with a productive new tailback must develop.

written by Bill Canter

STRENGTHS
UCLA's fine defensive stats for 2001 do not tell the whole story. Last year's Bruin defense played the first half of the season with a rabid, extremely physical intensity. Although several talented starters are gone, the Bruins should again field an aggressive and effective defense. All-American candidate Ricky Manning Jr. and superb sophomore Matt Ware will again anchor a fast and physical secondary. There should be good depth around them. The linebacker corps returns one starter, but he is a good one in Brandon Chillar. Versatile Marcus Reese can play several spots and there is good young depth. The front line is spear headed by All-American candidate Rodney Leisle, run stuffer supreme. The Ball Brothers, Mat and Dave, will continue to contribute a high degree of aggression and effectiveness this season as they did last fall. In short, for the Bruins to contend for a major bowl, this potentially excellent overall unit will have to be just that all season long.

CONCERNS
Significant gaps must be closed in the secondary - after all, Ricky Manning Jr. can only play one position at a time. The linebackers lost All-American Robert Thomas as well as the superb Ryan Nece. These are big shoes to fill. Smart young talent must emerge quickly at linebacker in the Bruins aggressive, speed-oriented system. The front line will also have some new faces that must produce consistently as opposing blocking schemes focus on neutralizing Leisle.