UCLA is likely more than ready to get the 2010 regular season underway, if for nothing more than the fact that this offseason has taken a hammer to their depth chart.
The latest injury to rock the Bruins is a big one as yet another starter could be lost for a significant period of time.
Starting center Kai Maiava suffered a fractured ankle early on in the Bruins’ scrimmage Saturday and will be forced to undergo surgery to repair the damage. It’s uncertain when -- or even if -- the junior will return in 2010.
“This is really upsetting, to be honest with you,” sophomore quarterback Kevin Prince said. “Kai is the anchor of the offensive line. Without him, we’ll be OK, but it wont be the same. He brought the mentality you like to have, that dominating mentality. He’s experienced. We’re going to miss him.”
Maiava becomes the fourth projected starter who will miss time in the regular season due to injury and, in one case, an off-field issue. Defensive end Datone Jones is sidelined for the foreseeable future with a broken foot, guard Jeff Baca has a stress reaction in the fibula of his right leg -- not to mention academic issues -- and offensive tackle Mike Harris is suspended for the opener.
“I am determined to say no, we are not cursed, but, but ... this does hurt tremendously,” said tackle Micah Kia. “I don’t know. I won’t believe it I see it with my own two eyes, but if it’s as serious as I’m hearing, it’s an extreme loss. Kai is a tremendous leader, a tremendous football player, a tremendous offensive lineman, a great person, and he is an asset to what we do here.”
Senior left guard Ryan Taylor (no relation) is expected to slide over and take Maiava’s starting spot.