UCLA NOTEBOOK: OLSON STAYS CONSISTENT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Drew Olson is in his second quarterback competition since arriving at UCLA three years ago, but he said the feeling this year is different from the 2003 battle he lost to Matt Moore.

``This is a whole different feeling because this time ... I'm the starter, and I have to maintain my position,'' Olson said. ``It's not like it's a clean slate where everything is clean, so you have to compete.''

Through the first week of training camp, Olson remains the front-runner in a four-headed race that's quickly turning into a two-man duel, with Drew Olson and Ben Olson (no relation) having pulled ahead of Patrick Cowan and David Koral.

``(Ben and Drew) had some good days, and there's no question that competition is heating up,'' UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. ``Ben has progressed nicely. He's come a long way since the spring, into the fall, and Drew has too. Both of those guys have responded to the challenge of competing and are doing a nice job so far.''

Ben Olson, the high-profile transfer from BYU, has looked sharp in passing drills but at times has lacked consistency.

Drew Olson, meanwhile, has been consistent if not spectacular, which he said that is a byproduct of improved maturity, knowledge of the offense and being in better shape after rehabbing his reconstructed left knee.

``I tried to put my body in the best physical shape it's ever been,'' said Drew Olson, who has 26 career starts. ``It's almost like I had to make up ground (from the surgery), and it's just carried over to being positive. I think with my body being in such good shape, it helps my mind stay fresh. I don't have to worry about my arm or my leg.''

--Slater's rise: Lingering injuries and dropped passes plagued receiver Matt Slater in his first two seasons with the Bruins, but the speedy redshirt sophomore's stock is rising thanks to an impressive first week of training camp.

``He's been noticed on a number of occasions throughout the week,'' Dorrell said. ``He's made a lot of plays. He's made a lot of progress from where he was in the spring. He's starting to work on his consistency on a day-to-day basis.''

Dorrell said UCLA will travel with ``six or seven'' receivers during the season, and if the season started today, Slater would be a part of that group ``but there's still a lot of competition going on.''

Slater, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, played in three games last season, but has yet to catch a pass in his UCLA career.

--Extras: X-rays on defensive end William Snead's ankle were negative and he should return to practice in a few days. ... Cornerback Rodney Van missed practice with flu-like symptoms. ... Defensive tackle Brigham Harwell sat out most of Sunday's practice with a sore back and hip. ``It was stiff this morning, and he's one of those guys that are never hurt, so when he is hurt, you have to pay particular attention to him,'' Dorrell said. ... Also missing parts of Sunday's practice with various injuries were linebacker Fred Holmes, running back Derrick Williams and fullback Michael Pitre. None are expected to miss significant time. ... Receiver Ryan Graves (right knee) remains limited in practice.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com