PAGE WILL RETURN.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Strong safety Jarrad Page informed the UCLA coaching staff he will return to the football field for his senior season, but he said Thursday he hasn't ruled out a professional baseball career.

Page, who was selected in the 32nd round of last month's amateur baseball draft by the Colorado Rockies, said he could sign a dual-sport contract. He said he will play football for UCLA this fall.

``(The Rockies) said they have no problem with me playing both (sports),'' Page said. ``The first time I talked to them, they told me it was going to be a two-sport deal, so I was coming back from the start (of negotiations).''

Page, who was selected in the fifth round by the Milwaukee Brewers out of high school, devoted only a portion of his time to baseball at UCLA, which is why, scouts said, he struggled. Last season Page batted .149 with a homer and nine RBI. He previously said he would think about bypassing his senior football season if he was offered a lucrative baseball contract.

He said negotiations with the Rockies are ongoing, but any contract agreement would include the provision to allow him to play college football. He said he also would prepare for the NFL combines after the college football season.

``They're still working on signing some other players and seeing how much money they have left over,'' Page said.

Page's return to the gridiron is pivotal for an inexperienced but talented secondary. Page was second on the Bruins with 79 tackles, tied for the team lead with three interceptions and led UCLA with two forced fumbles.

With the loss of senior free safety Ben Emanuel and cornerback Matt Clark, Page is the only veteran in the projected starting secondary.

--Health report: Bruins free safety Chris Horton will have pins removed from his right foot Wednesday, and he could be limited when training camp begins Aug. 8. Horton, who is expected to replace Emmanuel, suffered a fractured foot last season.

The hard-hitting Horton should be ready for the Sept. 3 opener at San Diego State.

``He'll be ready for camp, but I don't know if he'll be full speed,'' UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. ``He may be limited at first.''

Dorrell said linebacker Justin London (ankle), offensive lineman Chris Joseph (ACL surgery), defensive tackle Kenneth Lombard (shoulder) and tight end Matt Raney (groin) were cleared.

Also, quarterback Drew Olson is taking part in the seven-on-seven voluntary workouts, and he said he was cleared last week by his doctor to resume all football-related activity. He still will have to pass a physical by UCLA's medical staff before training camp.

--James to UNLV: Reserve cornerback Mil'Von James asked for and was granted a release from his scholarship so he can transfer. According to James' younger brother, Malik, Mil'Von will attend UNLV.

James, who has two years of eligibility remaining, played on special teams last season. He must sit out the upcoming season because of NCAA transfer rules.

--Walk-ons: Among the walk-ons UCLA is expecting are former Valencia High kicker Brian Malette, Helix of San Diego defensive back Matthew Caldwell - he is Dorrell's nephew - and Loyola of Los Angeles safety Trason Bragg.

--Also: Defensive tackle Kevin Harbour, who was not enrolled at UCLA in the spring because of an academic issue, will not return. He missed last season with torn knee ligaments. ... Page was selected to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list for the top defensive backs in the country.

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Jarrad Page

Safety plans to return for his senior season, even if he signs with the Colorado Rockies.