UCLA NOTEBOOK: TIGHT END POSITION A CONCERN.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

The West Coast offense is devised to exploit matchups, and the tight end can benefit greatly. To that end, UCLA is counting on Marcedes Lewis for a breakout season.

But the tight end spot also represents a big unknown for the Bruins.

It could turn out to be a position of depth, especially if Keith Carter resembles the form he showed before his motorcycle accident. Or, it could be a major concern, particularly given the question marks surrounding Carter and junior college transfer Matt Raney. The amount of playing time for Carter will be based on how much his twice surgically-repaired hip can withstand.

Raney is hampered by an abdominal hernia, and is just hoping to last the season. He will try to play through the pain, but recently admitted surgery is an option if it becomes too painful.

``I am a little concerned about (tight end depth),'' UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. ``With the ability of (Carter) being back, it really helps that situation.''

Lewis, who caught 30 passes for 377 yards last season, has improved his blocking from a year ago and offensive coordinator Tom Cable plans to utilize the 6-foot-6, 250-pound junior more.

Carter's return was a pleasant surprise for the Bruins, although they aren't sure but to expect from him considering he hasn't played since 2002.

Raney's physical condition is another uncertainty, and there isn't much depth. Sophomore J.J. Hair and walk-on Will Peddie round out the tight end group. Lewis and Carter are the only players with receptions at UCLA.

``(Carter) has got to be brought back gradually to where he feels where he's ready to go,'' Dorrell said. ``We've got to guard both Keith and Matt to make sure that we're able to use them both during the course of the year.''

--Contract talk: Dorrell made headlines in the winter when he declined a one-year rollover extension of his contract after a disappointing first season. He is paid $600,000 per year, including a $150,000 base, and has incentives that can push the deal past $1 million per season.

But the majority of his assistants, all of whom signed one-year contracts, also returned without a pay raise. Four of the six returning assistant coaches saw no change in their base salaries. Defensive coordinator Larry Kerr ($150,000), running backs coach Eric Bieniemy ($115,000), defensive backs coach Gary DeLoach ($105,000) and outside linebackers/special teams coach Brian Schneider ($100,000) each make the same amount as they did in their first year.)

Assistant head coach/tight ends coach Jon Embree ($135,000) and defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator Don Johnson ($110,000) each received $5,000 raises.

Offensive coordinator Tom Cable, who also is the offensive line coach, has a $150,000 base salary. Receivers coach Dino Babers ($105,000) and quarterback coach Jim Svoboda ($100,000) are the two other new coaches.

--Extra points: Dorrell said receiver Tab Perry was still awaiting word about a possible reinstatement. ... UCLA welcomed its 25 freshmen (five walk-ons) to campus Monday. The veterans report today and the first practice is at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. ... UCLA placekicker Justin Medlock was named to the Lou Groza preseason watch list for the top kickers in the country.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

MARCEDES LEWIS

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end had 30 catches for 377 yards last year.