a bright future?

With the UCLA Spring game coming this Saturday at Drake Stadium, it's time to see which players must step up in order for UCLA to avoid another let down season.

Richard Brehaut: Brehaut finished last season as the Bruins starting Quarterback after the perennially injured Kevin Prince was.... injured. I found Brehaut to be a better option then, and I find him to be the best option now. With reports out of spring practice saying that Brehaut has stepped up as team leader, and with a renowned passing touch, it's clear that he's the starter. Brehaut needs to learn the playbook. Simple as that. Last season he looked lost. He didn't know his reads, and failed to identify defensive schemes. Hopefully he's got his head straight, because I love the kids fight, and skills.

Dietrich Riley: Riley steps into Rahim Moore's shoes who declared for the NFL draft after his junior season. Those are huge shoes to fill, but Riley showed last season that he is more than capable. Riley made his presence felt last season with bone crushing hits. Now he must prove he has the skills to play coverage. I remember seeing Riley in the Under Armour all star game when he was a senior. The one thing I came away with was his lack of cover skills. By now I'm sure he's refined his footwork, and is more than able. Riley's play is going to be crucial for the defense, my guess is he establishes himself as an elite safety in the PAC 12.

Patrick Larrimore: What a beast. Larrimore has all the physical skills to play at the next level. He proved that last season before injuring his shoulder, and being done for the season. I'm very eager to see him out there this season at middle backer. Larrimore is going to be more that a player this campaign. He needs to step up in a leadership role. With the loss of Akeem Ayers to the NFL, there is a huge hole to fill. Larrimore will bring toughness, and nastiness to the defense that has lacked it for quite some time.

Morrell Presley: Three years ago, Presley was a five star recruit. A huge coup from USC. Today, Presley is a huge disappointed. His play alone would be reason for disappointed, but Presley has been suspended three times in his UCLA career for team violations. The guy is immensely talented. There is no doubting that. Now he must show it. All signs point to him proving it this year. Presley bulked upped this off season to 240 pounds, and has been moved to his natural position at Tight End. With UCLA's already exiting offensive weapons, a motivated Presley will transform the offense even more.

Offensive Line: All I want for Christmas is a good front line. That's it. For years now, UCLA has been inept up front. Injuries, violations, and bad overall play has been the line motive of operation. Already this spring, Jeff Baca has gone down with an ankle injury. The line needs to stay healthy and produce. They must give the QB sometime to make decisions. They must creat holes for the Running Backs to run through. The line with out a doubt will make or break the season. Hopefully Bob Palcic, the line coach gets the very best out of our guys this year.

Oh by the way, did you guys hear the news?... it seems that Frank McCourts reign of terror is coming to an end. It's going to be interesting what happens next. With out a doubt, McCourt is going to fight Bud Selig's decision. He will probably lose any lawsuit against MLB. At this point, McCourt needs to put the team up for sale, and move on.