UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: EVERETT COULD RETURN PUNTS SATURDAY.

Byline: BRIAN DOHN Staff Writer

UCLA coach Karl Dorrell opted for Chris Markey as a punt returner in the opener, saying the tailback's sure-handedness is a major reason, but a change likely is coming Saturday against Rice at the Rose Bowl.

Receiver Marcus Everett said Dorrell spoke with him Tuesday about possibly taking over the duties after Markey muffed a punt against Utah.

``We're going to look at some people,'' Dorrell said. ``Chris Markey is still there in the mix in terms of a safety valve, but we're going to see about getting Terrence (Austin) some reps, and Marcus Everett also is working back there, and Ryan Graves. We'll try to get a good tandem back there to work.''

But Everett appears to be the favorite.

``He's been catching with me every day,'' Dorrell said. ``He just hasn't been out there in our lineup, but we're going to give him an opportunity. He did it in high school and he would love to do it again.''

Markey averaged 4.5 yards on two returns. His muff was recovered by teammate Rodney Van.

Everett, meanwhile, said he returned punts at Chaminade Prep of West Hills, even taking ``three or four back to the house'' his sophomore season.

``Hopefully, I'll be back there and get a chance,'' Everett said. ``It's an opportunity to have the ball in your hands and make things happen and help my team win. If I get the opportunity, I'm going to make the best out of it.''

McNeal nearing eligibility: Backup senior linebacker Eric McNeal is expected to be cleared academically by the end of the week and be available against Rice.

McNeal received an incomplete grade in the spring quarter, but submitted a paper last month to complete the course work.

``The grade has been assigned, and it's a passing grade,'' Dorrell said.

``They're supposed to get the certification, in terms of his eligibility, done by the end of the week.''

Injury report: Cornerback Michael Norris did light running, but will sit out against Rice because of a left knee injury.

Norris said he expected to be ready for UCLA's Pac-10 opener Sept. 23 at Washington.

Also, backup free safety Aaron Ware (concussion) sat out practice, but the Bruins are hopeful he will play against Rice to help with their lack of secondary depth.

Olson honored: Quarterback Ben Olson was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week after going 25 of 33 for 318 yards and three scores in his first career start.

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