UCLA NOTEBOOK: LEWIS SET TO MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

UCLA tight end Marcedes Lewis has said before that he hopes for at least 50 receptions this season.

If that becomes reality, as expected, it would reverse a trend.

Former Bruin tight end Mike Seidman, who's now in his third year with the Carolina Panthers, had just 12 receptions as a junior and six as a sophomore while playing under then-coach Bob Toledo. After a concerted effort by UCLA to use him more, Seidman had 41 receptions his senior year in 2002.

Lewis knew the statistics when he was recruited and hopes to become a trendsetter.

``I think they still should've used him more,'' Lewis said of Seidman. ``I felt like I could change it and this year, I'll have a chance to do that and blow everyone out of the water with what we have planned.''

Lewis was given more opportunities with 32 receptions as a junior last year and 30 in 2003. San Diego State coaches are preparing to see an offensive gameplan with plenty of Lewis, who at 6-foot-6 and 256 pounds is a mismatch against defensive backs and many linebackers.

UCLA can try to take advantage of this when it opens tonight against the Aztecs, a team that has five players who are scheduled to make their first career start, including middle linebacker Freddy Keiaho.

--Instant replay: UCLA has agreed to use the Mountain West Conference's replay format in this game. The MWC replay has a coach challenge, just like the NFL.

The head coach is allowed one challenge per half. However, if the challenge is upheld, the team is allowed an additional challenge. If the challenge is not upheld, the team loses a timeout.

UCLA also will use a replay format system for its following two home games, against Rice and Oklahoma. Those schools agreed to use the Pacific-10 Conference system, where an official in the booth makes the decision on plays that will be reviewed.

--The new Ware: Aaron Ware, younger brother of former defensive back Matt Ware, said he's learned a lot in fall camp. Ware, who's working out as a scout-team defensive back and is expected to redshirt, was the two-time CIF Div. XI Player of the Year at Oaks Christian.

He's playing cornerback, like his brother Matt, who's with the Philadelphia Eagles.

``It's very humbling being CIF Player of the Year and not playing much at all,'' Ware said. ``It's very humbling see how much better you can be. It takes everything you have to be the best. There's always someone better than you.''

--Also: San Diego State's Siaosi Fifita (Birmingham of Lake Balboa) is a backup defensive end who could see playing time ... Senior free safety Marcus Demps (Highland of Palmdale) is the most experienced player on the Aztecs' defense.

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UCLA at SAN DIEGO STATE

- Jill Painter