UCLA NOTEBOOK: ANDERSON HAS CONCUSSION.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

If UCLA needed a reminder of just how thin it is at several key positions, the Bruins got one Friday when free safety Marques Anderson, a fifth-year senior and one of the team's best players, was taken by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center with what team officials called a concussion.

Anderson, who walked to the ambulance on his own, was released several hours later after a CT scan proved negative, according to UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins. Anderson, who team officials said has no history of concussions, is listed as day to day.

Coach Bob Toledo, speaking before the results of the CT scan were known, declined to speculate on whether Anderson would be available for the Sept. 1 season opener at Alabama. But he left no doubt how important Anderson is to the team.

``It would be real big,'' Toledo said of Anderson's possible absence. ``He's a great player.''

Toledo said he believes Anderson's injury occurred during a scrimmage in practice Thursday afternoon. Anderson told teammates Thursday night that he was feeling woozy. He also was uncomfortable during Friday's workout.

``He was complaining about a headache when we were doing some hitting drills,'' said sophomore Kevin Brant, Anderson's backup.

Team trainers, after being summoned to examine Anderson, called for an ambulance to transport him to the medical center. Anderson, who was given oxygen, walked out of Spaulding Field where the ambulance awaited.

Anderson is the second Bruins player to suffer a concussion this week. Reserve offensive lineman Blake Worley suffered one earlier and, because of previous concussions, decided to leave the sport.

Toledo said Brant will fill in for Anderson for the short term. However, if Anderson's status were in serious doubt for Alabama, Toledo would consider other changes.

One alternative could be moving freshman cornerback Matt Ware to free safety, a position he played throughout high school, and leaving the cornerback spot to Joe Hunter and Keith Short, who are more experienced than Brant.

--Ryan's hope: The arrival of today's scrimmage at Drake Stadium serves as a reminder of how different life is for Ryan McCann. A year ago, he was auditioning for the starting quarterback position. Now, he's just trying to show UCLA coach Bob Toledo that he's healthy enough to be the No. 3 on the depth chart.

Yet, just as when he lost out to Cory Paus twice last season, then underwent shoulder surgery, McCann hardly is discouraged.

``It's the story of my career - a roller-coaster ride,'' said McCann, who has directed the Bruins to their three biggest wins the past two seasons yet never has beaten out Paus. ``Hopefully, I'm coming back up now, especially with my arm healthy.''

McCann has displayed the same type of inconsistency in fall camp that prevented him from keeping the starting job, even after leading the Bruins to victories over Michigan and Alabama. The hard part, though, is participating in only one practice a day - a precaution for his shoulder.

``That's the tough part,'' he said. ``I'm sitting there watching and (the other quarterbacks) are making an impression. Last year I was competing for the job and still ready to play. Now, I'm just trying to prove to the coaches that my arm's healthy.''

--Recruiting: Clovis West fullback Brandon Hancock, who also is being recruited by USC, attended practice Friday.

--Hall open: For fans attending the scrimmage, UCLA's new sports Hall of Fame, located in the Morgan Center across from Ackerman Union, will be open from 2-7 p.m. today.

UCLA WATCH

Notable: In addition to Marques Anderson's concussion, strong-side linebackers Marcus Reese (hip) and Brandon Chillar (hamstring), the first- and second-stringers, missed most of Friday's practice. Freshman Spencer Havner took their place with the first team. Also, freshman offensive tackle Ed Blanton, the team's tallest and heaviest at 6-foot-9 and 315 pounds, sprained his right ankle and was on crutches.

Player watch: When the Bruins scrimmage this afternoon at Drake Stadium, all eyes will be on Anderson's replacement at free safety, Kevin Brant. The redshirt sophomore, who intercepted an underthrown pass by Ryan McCann in Friday's scrimmage, said he'll take the same approach to his job whether he's playing behind Anderson or trying to replace him. ``Coach Toledo's always saying you're one play away,'' Brant said.

Today: Practice at Spaulding Field, 9:40-11:35 a.m., scrimmage at Drake Stadium, 4-6 p.m., both open to the public.

CAPTION(S):

box

Box:

UCLA WATCH (see text)