UCLA FOOTBALL REPORT: A DAY AFTER VICTORY, WIDEOUTS SUFFER LOSS RECEIVER TAYLOR OUT FOR SEASON WITH KNEE INJURY.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

When UCLA senior Junior Taylor left Saturday's 41-24 win against Oklahoma with a knee injury, sophomore Marcus Everett stepped in and finished the game as the team leader in receptions.

Everett will get more chances to duplicate that feat because Taylor, the Bruins' most experienced and accomplished wideout, suffered a season-ending tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will undergo surgery.

Because the injury occurred in UCLA's third game, Taylor is eligible to redshirt, and will do so. He will likely miss spring practice, but should be fully recovered for the 2006 season.

The loss of Taylor leaves UCLA (3-0) without its top speed receiver and best deep threat. He was also the player many of the other receivers went to for advice and mentoring.

Taylor, who made 32 catches last season, has 76 career receptions. The other wideouts on UCLA's rostercombined for 65 career receptions, with junior Joe Cowan leading with 27.

``It hurts this team, big time,'' Bruins tight end Marcedes Lewis said. ``We need all the players that we can get. As long as the young receivers keep stepping up (such as) Marcus Everett, Joe Cowan, Gavin Ketchum, we're going to be OK. Look for some of the other receivers to step up in (Taylor's) loss.''

Everett's move into the starting role nearly came a few weeks earlier. The coaching staff was pleased with his development in training camp and he almost unseated Taylor as the top split end. But a separated shoulder 12 days before the Sept. 3 opener against San Diego State kept the Chaminade of West Hills alumnus out the first two games.

In Everett's season debut against the Sooners, he replaced Taylor, who was injured on UCLA's second play, and led the Bruins in receiving with six catches for 66 yards.

As he did a week earlier against Rice, UCLA quarterback Drew Olson distributed the ball, and the offense performed well without Taylor.

``(People) were worried about our receivers, but I wasn't,'' Olson said. ``I knew we had depth, and you're seeing that.''

--Siewierski commits: Perhaps as payoff for the win, UCLA received a non-binding oral commitment Sunday from one of its top targets in defensive tackle Jerzy Siewierski, who plays for Reed High of Sparks, Nev.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Siewierski is the second-rated player in Nevada, according to rivals.com. He had 15 tackles through three games this season, and made 80 in 2004. He also is a punter, averaging 41.1 yards per kick, although his future at UCLA is on the defensive line.

``(The Oklahoma win) just made it come quicker,'' Siewierski said of his commitment. ``UCLA is a real program, and I want to play for a real big-time program, and that just made it sure in my mind.''

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

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REPORT CARD: UCLA 41, No. 21 Oklahoma 24