UCLA NOTEBOOK: OLSON SHOWS COMMAND AT QUARTERBACK.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

After a week of spring practice, new UCLA offensive coordinator Tom Cable isn't sure why there is so much negativity and questions regarding junior quarterback Drew Olson.

In fact, Cable is ready for Olson to prove his doubters wrong.

``I've been totally impressed with him,'' said Cable, who already has demonstrated his ability to be brutally honest. ``He's not what everyone said he was, but I'll just let him prove that.''

According to players and coaches, Olson is showing more leadership than last season, has better knowledge of the playbook and his arm is stronger and more accurate.

Olson also is trying to improve his footwork and ball position when he is preparing to throw, and Cable said the quarterback usually is making the correct checks at the line of scrimmage.

``I think the guy's really been fantastic,'' Cable said. ``I'm really amazed at how intelligent, how quick he is to pick things up. He's like a lot of people, a few good plays here and there and his confidence really takes off and I think you can see a big-timer. We got to keep working towards that. I'm a huge fan of his. I've got both guys around that guy.''

Cable said he was pleased with the work of offensive linemen Steven Vieira and Paul Mociler and receiver Craig Bragg. But as a whole, the offense needs plenty of work.

``Emotionally unstable,'' Cable said in describing the offense. ``We're very peak-and-valley-like as an offensive unit. We're not able to sustain a high level of intensity. I don't know if it's a fault issue. It's learning how to do that. When I watch, being new, it explains a lot of things to me.

``I see a group that is getting it in terms of what we're doing scheme wise. I see a group of guys that is deciding whether or not they want to be tough and push through when they hurt and they're tired, or just say, 'somebody else do this' or 'I'll get it next time.' ''

--D-line depth: With Kevin Harbour out for an undetermined amount of time after injuring his left knee, JC transfer Justin Hickman and freshman Bruce Davis, considered a pass-rush specialist, get a chance for more reps at right defensive end.

Hickman, a sophomore, began the spring third on the depth chart, primarily because he was new to the program. But he wants to move up quickly.

``That's in the back of my mind,'' said Hickman, a first-team Western States Football League pick at Glendale (Ariz.) Community College. ``I don't pay much attention to it, but if I go out there and play the way I can, I can win a spot, a starting job.''

Bruins sophomore defensive tackle Kevin Brown has been impressed with Hickman in the early part of spring.

``He's a freak,'' Brown said. ``He's the fastest lineman and he's strong as anyone. He came out the first day and squatted 500 (pounds). He's got great hands, great determination. I look forward to him having a great season. He's going to be the surprise. He's explosive.''

--Keyes to the future: Dennis Keyes planned to arrive in Westwood, go through August training camp and then play a lot. Boy, was he wrong.

``It was better for me to just sit out, run with the (scout team),' said Keyes, a former Daily News Player of the Year from Birmingham High of Lake Balboa. ``I knew I really wouldn't have played that much and it would have been just a waste of a year for me. I got a lot of action in practice. That helps a lot more than people think.''

Keyes will back up senior Ben Emanuel at free safety. He is treating it as an apprenticeship, picking Emanuel's brain whenever he gets the chance.

``Things are starting to come along slowly as I'm learning the system more and more,'' Keyes said. ``It was tough because that was the first year I sat out since I've been playing. Just watching the team come out and go through what they did, I thought I could come in and contribute in some way.

``It's also a good learning experience for me. It taught me patience, helped me also to learn the system and just learn the speed of the game at the college level.''

In addition to backing up, Keyes expects to play on many of UCLA's special teams.

--Extra points: Tight end Keith Carter, who had hip surgery in the fall, said he might be cleared to start running in two weeks but his long- term prognosis for returning to football won't be decided until June. ... Long snapper/fullback Joe Tomasello, who had surgery on his shoulder last spring after arriving from Fresno City College and was ineligible in the fall, is experiencing shoulder problems and might have to quit football.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com