(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/14/09)
At 2-0, UCLA's 2009 season is off to a healthy start. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its starting quarterback. Signal caller Kevin Prince is expected to miss a month of action after fracturing his jaw in Saturday's road win at Tennessee. X-rays taken on Sunday revealed the break, requiring his jaw to be wired shut while it heals.
The redshirt freshman led the Bruins to a 19-15 victory over UT in Knoxville's Neyland Stadium over the weekend, completing 11 of 23 passes for 101 yards with 1 TD and no INTs. It was just his second collegiate start since making his debut against San Diego State to open the season.
Prince suffered the injury with just under two minutes left in the game. He was hit hard in the face by a couple of Vols' defenders while being tackled for a safety. The QB was clearly in pain on the Bruins' sideline after the play, stretching his jaw while a bloody towel covered his cheek. Despite the fracture, Prince did return for UCLA's final two offensive plays of the game---both kneel downs to secure the win.
"This is a tough blow for Kevin and our football team," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "We hope he recovers quickly, but we have other talented quarterbacks in our program. We have confidence in all of our guys and we will get them ready to lead us against Kansas State."
Which brings about the question of who will take Prince's place under center against Kansas State (1-1) on Saturday? The top two candidates are true freshman Richard Brehaut, who's actually listed as Prince's backup on the depth chart, or senior Kevin Craft. Brehaut is a talented recruit who played late in the season-opening win against SDSU. Craft was the UCLA starting QB for all of 2008 and brings plenty of experience to the table---along with a school record 20 INTs from a year ago.
Stay tuned for further updates on the UCLA quarterback situation as they come in.
-JAB
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