UCLA's McDonald confesses: I still get nervous
By JANIS CARR
LOS ANGELES ? Even after three starts, UCLA safety Tevin McDonald admittedly still gets nervous. Weeks of preparation, hours of practices and afternoons of game film hasn't quelled that feeling in the pit of his stomach when kickoff arrives.
Part of McDonald's anxiety comes from replacing injured senior Tony Dye. Some of it stems from being a redshirt freshman starting for the Bruins, while other moments come from simply trying to defend the passes of some of the nation's best quarterbacks.
"It's gotten much easier," McDonald said. "The butterflies probably will always be there but it's slowed down a little bit. I played some games early and have been blessed to have played against (Houston quarterback) Case Keenum, (Stanford's) Andrew Luck and (Arizona's) Nick Foles."
McDonald's on-the-job training will continue full time now that Dye has been shelved for the rest of the season because of a neck injury. McDonald, who has 18 solo tackles and seven assisted tackles, will make his fourth start Saturday against Cal at the Rose Bowl.
"I try not to expect too much, even though I want to be the guy out there picking everything off, knocking people out," McDonald said after Wednesday's practice. "But I just have to learn how this game works and figure this thing out and eventually the plays will start coming to me as expected."
And if ever he needs moral support, someone to steady his nerves, McDonald only needs to look to the sideline. He said Dye has taken him under his wing and been his biggest "cheerleader."
"He doesn't tell me so much X's and O's, but he just lets me know I can do it," McDonald said. "And he's having a great time watching me play. ... He's been there for me, letting me know I can play, reminding me that it (game) is not much different than practice."
BARR RETURNS TO FIELD
With four receivers suspended, a healthy Anthony Barr was a welcomed sight at UCLA practice Wednesday.
Barr, who was injured against Oregon State, practiced for the first time since having knee surgery three weeks ago and could see some action at wideout Saturday against Cal as the Bruins scramble to fill holes. Jordan James will join him at wideout.
"Hopefully we can have him in some small role for the weekend. We'll see how many plays we can get out of him," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said.
Receivers Taylor Embree, Randall Carroll, Ricky Marvray and Shaquelle Evans will sit out one game, defensive tackle Cassius Marsh will miss two games, and guard Albert Cid is suspended for a half-game for their part in a melee during last week's game against Arizona.
Receiver Jerry Johnson also is set to play, while walk-on Jerry Rice Jr. is expected to see action.
Contact the writer: jcarr@ocregister.com
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