ANALYSIS: QUESTION OF DEPTH FOR UCLA REASON FOR OPTIMISM IF BRUINS CAN AVOID INJURY AND QBS MOORE OR OLSON STEP UP.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Among the first things UCLA coach Karl Dorrell noticed when he was hired in December was that six defensive linemen were entering their last season of eligibility in 2003 and the offensive line was thin.

That's not quite as dramatic as a quarterback controversy or the lack of a breakaway tailback, but it was stark evidence that the Bruins' lacked depth.

Many factors will determine whether the Bruins will be bowl bound this year, including how the quarterback - be it Matt Moore to start the season or Drew Olson in a relief role later on - plays and develops.

However, because of the thin roster, none will be more important than how the Bruins' health holds up over 12 demanding Saturdays.

Certainly, the Bruins have talent: a physical secondary; a defensive front seven that should dominate opponents; one of the best receivers in the Pacific-10 Conference; a tight end that has game-changing ability; two dangerous running backs; and a kicker with 50-yard range.

UCLA also has an energetic coaching staff determined to change the leisurely attitude that prevailed at the Westwood campus the past few seasons.

Even the quarterback situation is promising, with two seemingly capable sophomores who will experience growing pains but should be markedly better when that USC game rolls around.

Indeed, the biggest concern is lack of bodies - at receiver, at tight end, on the offensive line, in the secondary, at linebacker.

A position-by-position breakdown going into the first game:

QUARTERBACKS

Moore has more upside with a stronger arm and an eagerness to use it. He's not afraid to throw the ball, which will result in some big plays but also cause some aggravation. Olson is consistent with short passes and exudes a quiet confidence. However, both are young and part of maturing as a player is making mistakes.

Grade: C

RUNNING BACKS

Tyler Ebell established a UCLA freshman record with 994 yards rushing in 2003, and he's stronger, has more experience and will be pushed hard by talented freshman Maurice Drew. Both must have big years for the Bruins to succeed. Bruising fullback Manuel White, who will play tailback in short-yardage situations, should be a load to tackle.

Grade: B+

OFFENSIVE LINE

Steven Vieira was moved from right guard to left tackle, and right guard Paul Mociler and right tackle Ed Blanton are getting their first chances to start. Center Mike McCloskey and left guard Eyoseph Efseaff bring experience, but they were sporadic in camp and depth is a huge question.

Grade: C

RECEIVERS

If tight end Marcedes Lewis becomes the threat the coaching staff believes he can be, it will take pressure off go-to guy Craig Bragg. But for the passing game to flourish, the Bruins also need another receiver - either Ryan Smith or Junior Taylor - to become a legitimate target to deter double teams.

Grade: C

DEFENSIVE LINE

Rodney Leisle, Dave Ball, Mat Ball and Ryan Boschetti anchor a defense that should be one of the best in the Pac-10. Dave Ball should improve on an 11 1/2-sack season with the improved secondary, and Leisle and Boschetti should be formidable against the run. Backups C.J. Niusulu and Asi Faoa will get plenty of time.

Grade: A

LINEBACKERS

Sophomore middle linebacker Justin London should be entertaining to watch. He is high-energy, loves to chat with the opposition and could become an emotional leader providing he tackles well. Brandon Chillar and Spencer Havner are sure tacklers who should feast thanks to the defensive line.

Grade: B+

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Cornerback Matt Ware is 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and runs as if he were 20 pounds lighter. Safeties Jarrad Page and Ben Emanuel go 6-1, 210 pounds and 6-3, 205 pounds, respectively. Indeed, this is a big secondary. But first-year starter Matt Clark, who is 5-9, 170, must prove he belongs in the group or his season will be very, very long.

Grade: B+

SPECIAL TEAMS

Placekicker Justin Medlock never has kicked in a collegiate game. Punter Chris Kluwe has punted twice in two seasons, averaging 34.5 yards. Long snapper Riley Jondle is a freshman and didn't overwhelm anyone in camp. Bragg is returning punts even though Dorrell would prefer otherwise. In other words, pay attention to special teams.

Grade: C

COACHING

Dorrell's mentors say he has a brilliant offensive mind and never will be out-prepared. Defensive coordinator Larry Kerr has a strong history at Colorado State, and offensive coordinator Steve Axman's reputation as a developer of young quarterbacks will be tested.

Grade: B

CAPTION(S):

4 boxes

Box:

(1) UCLA HAND-OFFS (see text)

UCLA TWO DEEP

(2) OFFENSE

(3) DEFENSE

(4) SPECIAL TEAMS