Well, that sucks. Ben Olson is pretty much out for the season, in all likelihood. From Brian Dohn:

The same injury that felled UCLA quarterback Ben Olson four months ago threatens to end his UCLA career after X-rays Sunday showed he broke the same bone in his right foot.

Olson will be out approximately eight weeks, sending UCLA's quarterbacking situation into peril as junior college transfer Kevin Craft, red-shirt freshman Chris Forcier, junior Osaar Rashaan and freshman Kevin Craft battle for the spot. Freshman Nick Crissman is on the periphery of an ever-changing mix.

Once again, Olson was injured in a non-contact drill on Saturday and x-rays confirmed he re-broke the same foot. It's a shame, and it did seem that Olson was rushing the rehab process a bit (something completely understandable), so you kinda' have to feel for him.

That said, I expected that either Craft or Forcier would be the starting quarterback for UCLA sometime this year. I just didn't know it potentially would be this soon. Forcier is a mobile quarterback, and potentially the one that fits the best in the current offensive configuration (an offensive configuration that lacks...uh...a functional offensive line); however, Craft also can move around pretty well.

It'll be a battle - and it sure will be interesting to see what comes out of Fall practice. Here's how I see the quarterback rotation working this year, as of right now:

1: Craft
2: Forcier
3: Prince
4: Crissman
5: Rashaan

I'm sure the coaches will try to retain Crissman's redshirt at all costs, but despite all the current troubles, quarterback at UCLA will be a depth position in years to come. And yes, I have Rashaan at the 5th spot, but he may be used as a slash-type quarterback if the offense can start to pick up some concepts - though I fully hope I never have to see him throw a pass, dear Lord.

Labels: UCLA Football