QB Rasshan eager to fill in for Olson

LAS VEGAS — If Ben Olson can't go, Osaar Rasshan is more than eager to get his chance to lead the Bruins to a bowl win over BYU Saturday in Sam Boyd Stadium.

Rasshan is the latest in the Bruins' QB puzzle that's seen Olson start, get injured, and have walk-on junior Patrick Cowan carry the load until he suffered a concussion against Washington State.

Olson first missed games after a loss at Utah when he started having headaches. He then injured his knee and has been used sporadically ever since. UCLA coach DeWayne Walker told reporters Thursday he had a closed door meeting with Olson, then Rasshan. "We talked about philosophy and leadership," said Walker.

"It's a great opportunity, and I realize you don't get too many of these as a quarterback," said Rasshan.

"I just want to lead this team to a victory. I'm not worried about the future, or what's going to happen at quarterback or our coaching situation. All I am concerned about is getting a win."

Rasshan said his mobility, making plays with his feet, is his strength. "It's always been something I do. I ran a little track in high school but mainly played football, soccer, basketball and baseball."

Rasshan said he was clocked at 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash in high school.

The redshirt sophomore is one of many Bruins lining up in support of interim coach Walker.

"We have to get after it because he's come in and put his personality into this program. We realized we have to stick with what we've been doing. I've never experienced anything like this, to have a coach leave. But it seems he's got us closer as a team."

Rasshan saw the first game action of his career when he lined up as a receiver during this season opener at Stanford. He did not play against BYU or Utah. He saw limited action at receiver against Washington and did not play against Oregon State or Notre Dame.

Rasshan switched from quarterback to receiver during fall practice after being scout team quarterback his first two seasons in the program.

Coaches switched Rasshan back to quarterback following the injury to Olson in the loss to Notre Dame on Oct. 6.

He got his first QB experience against Arizona, entering the game on the second series of the second half. He led the Bruins to 13 points, a touchdown and two field goals. For the day, he completed 3 of 10 passes for 78 yards, with a long completion of 42 yards. He also rushed eight times for 57 yards, including a 20-yard scamper.