UCLA NOTEBOOK: DAVIS EAGER TO TRY ON BIG SHOES.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

As a lean, athletic defensive end on the scout team a year ago, Bruce Davis dominated UCLA's ragged offensive line.

Now, as Davis prepares for his first collegiate game, the redshirt freshman believes he is ready to do the same to opposing offensive lines as he takes over from one of the best defensive ends in UCLA history in Dave Ball.

``Obviously, I have a long way to go, but I think (rushing the quarterback) is my strong point,'' the young, still-thin Davis said. ``Everybody knows that pass-rushing and sacking the quarterback is my strong point.

``I'm really excited to just get going and show everybody I can do that and I'm going to be the best in the country at doing that, regardless of who else is out there.''

Davis will start at right end Saturday against Oklahoma State, but replacing Ball is a monumental challenge. During a consensus All-American season in 2003, Ball established a single-season school record with 16.5 sacks. It also made him the school's all-time leader with 30.5.

But Davis is not intimidated by replacing Ball, or going against an experienced Cowboys offensive line in his first start. He is 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, and will be matched against Oklahoma State left tackle Corey Hilliard, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound sophomore who started half of last season.

Davis is hoping Oklahoma State, which averaged nearly 220 rushing yards per game last season, tries to run at him.

``I hope they do,'' said Davis, who had 12 sacks as a senior at Houston's Clear Creek High. ``I'm ready to prove everybody wrong. Everybody says I'm all speed, I'm only going to be able to stop the pass, I'm one-dimensional.

``I'm not a one-dimensional player. That's just my strongest point. I'll stop the run with the best of them.''

--The waiting game: Thursday passed without word from the NCAA on whether Bruins receiver Tab Perry will have his eligibility restored. The Bruins remain hopeful a decision is announced today. If it is not, Perrywill have to sit out the opener.

``We're prepared to go either way, whether we have him or not,'' UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. ``Hopefully, we'll have him.''

UCLA will know Perry's status for the game by late this afternoon since the NCAA offices are closed for the weekend. If a decision isn't made, or Perry's request is denied, it would mean a more-important role for the receivers behind him, such as Junior Taylor and Joe Cowan, freshmen Marcus Everett and Brandon Breazell and walk-on Chris Steck.

If the request is denied, Perry said he will appeal.

--Injury report: It turned out the injury to inside linebacker Tim Warfield was more severe than the Bruins first believed. A CT-scan showed a fracture of his tibia, just below his left knee.

``He'll be out for several weeks,'' Dorrell said. ``We don't know the number of weeks, but it will be several weeks before he can play.''

Also, Dorrell reiterated that linebacker Justin London (ankle) and guard Eyoseph Efseaff (groin) will not play.

--Odds and ends: If Perry does not play, Derrick Williams will team with Maurice Drew to return kicks. ... Dorrell said freshman defensive tackle Kenneth Lombard will start in place of injured C.J. Niusulu at defensive tackle, but walk-on Robert Garcia is expected to play. ... Dorrell said tight end Keith Carter, who hasn't played since the 2002 Las Vegas Bowl, is cleared to play.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com