Names to know

ALTERRAUN VERNER UCLA cornerback

Verner is not only a tough cover corner, with seven career interceptions, but he is also one of the Bruins’ surest tacklers. Twice already this season the junior has recorded double digits in tackles, including a career-high 13 against BYU – in a game UCLA lost 59-0. He’s also started 13 consecutive games, the Bruins’ longest streak. And not only is Verner a tough defender, he also excels in the classroom, witnessed by his first-team All-Pac-10 academic selection last season.

Louis Bland WSU linebacker

A true freshman whose fall camp was interrupted by a stress fracture in his foot, Bland has shown an ability to adapt quickly to the stresses of the college game. Recruited as a safety, Bland surprised the coaches with his physical growth over the summer and was moved to linebacker. Despite the injury slowing his progress, the two-time California state wrestling champion has moved ahead of senior Kenny Dunn at the weak-side linebacker.

Kevin Craft UCLA quarterback

If you happened to catch the Bruins’ season-opening upset of Tennessee on TV, Craft’s first half was like an episode of “The Office.” About every three minutes something would happen to make you cringe. But since that point, the junior transfer from Mt. San Antonio College has run the Bruins’ offense passably well. UCLA doesn’t ask a lot of Craft, as he’s averaging less than 10 yards per completion. The last two games Craft has not thrown an interception.