Shortly after UCLA tailback Maurice Drew had compiled his latest one-game highlight film, his teammates were busy claiming Drew as Heisman Trophy-worthy.
“Maurice Drew is so elusive, so shifty, and he makes so many big plays,” Bruins receiver Marcus Everett said. “I think he’s the best player in the Pac-10. He’s just a great player.”
Drew matched his school record with five touchdowns in UCLA’s 47-40 victory over then-No. 10 California, boosted by 299 all-purpose yards: 65 rushing, 52 receiving, 20 on kickoff returns and 162 on punt returns.
Drew is eighth nationally in all-purpose yards at 172.4 per game, tied for the NCAA lead with 14.4 points per game and leads the nation in punt returns at 33.8 yards per attempt.
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“That dude is amazing,” said UCLA tight end Marcedes Lewis. “I don’t know the word for that guy. He’s the real deal. When you have a running back like that, it makes everyone’s job easier. He does everything. What can’t he do? Return team, running back, receiver? He can do it all.”
Drew’s 12 touchdowns match his career high, and his average scoring play is 28.4 yards. His three punt-return touchdowns this season, and four in his career, tie Pac-10 and school records. And more special things could be on the way. Coach Karl Dorrell hinted Drew could join the kick-return unit permanently.
“He’s just one of those guys that when the ball is in his hands, he makes plays,” Dorrell said. “He has incredible ability.”
Drew and the Bruins travel to Washington State this weekend.