UCLA football: Offensive line changes continue

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There was more shuffling along UCLA’s offensive line Wednesday morning.

Guard Chris Ward returned, replacing Greg Capella on the first team a day after being demoted. Ward, Capella and Albert Cid -- all sophomores -- are competing for the two starting spots.

“All three of them have shown flashes of being really good,� Coach Rick Neuheisel said. “All three of them have been inconsistent.�

Neuheisel said that was somewhat excusable for Capella and Cid. Capella moved from center to guard this summer. Cid is new to the program, having just transferred from Citrus College.

But Neuheisel said the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Ward “just has to keep his feet on the ground. He’s a very talented player, but he is playing one leg too often and he loses his power. A guy that size needs to play with power.�

Cid, meanwhile, continues to grow into the position while trying to trim down from 330 pounds. “I still need to work on my pass protection,� Cid said. “I haven’t gotten my feet under me. That will come when I get in game shape.�

The starting line will have three seniors: tackle Sean Sheller, tackle Mike Harris and center Kai Maiava. But Sheller sees the younger players as the key.

“We’ve got to bring these younger cats up and make them more accountable,� Sheller said. “They each have something to work on. We need them. They are a big part of the o-line. They are doing a great job so far.�

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-- Chris Foster