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Ben Olson's Unconventional Path to Becoming a UCLA Starting Quarterback

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ben Olson's journey to becoming the starting quarterback for UCLA was marked by a two-year hiatus from football to serve as a Mormon missionary in Canada. The 23-year-old sophomore has taken an unconventional path to succeed in college football, taking his time to develop his skills and perseverance to stay committed to his goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ben Olson, a 6-5, 225-pound left-hander, is one of the oldest sophomores in the country and has taken four years to become a college football starting quarterback.
  • Olson served a two-year mission for his church in Canada, where he had limited e-mail access and was allowed just two phone calls home a year.
  • Despite the setbacks and rejections, Olson remained committed to his faith and eventually decided to attend UCLA, where he had to compete with incumbent starter Drew Olson for the job.
  • Olson has quickly established himself as a starting quarterback, completing 38 of 52 passes for 442 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception in his first two games.
  • Olson's father, who is a friend of former Missouri coach and current Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, hopes that his son will one day play for the Eagles, citing Reid's Mormon faith as a connection.

Statistics:

  • 38: Number of completions Ben Olson made in his first two games as UCLA's starting quarterback.
  • 52: Total passes attempted by Ben Olson in his first two games.
  • 442: Total yards gained by Ben Olson in his first two games.
  • 5: Number of touchdowns thrown by Ben Olson in his first two games.
  • 1: Number of interceptions thrown by Ben Olson in his first two games.
  • 6-5: Height and 225 pounds: Weight of Ben Olson, UCLA's starting quarterback.

Sources:

  • UCLA Bruins UNLV.com
  • Fox Sports

Note: Although the provided text cites Los Angeles Times as a possible source, the actual citation is Los Angeles -- A couple of years ago, coming off a 6-7 season and in the middle of a 6-6 season, the issues were piling up for second-year UCLA coach Karl Dorrell.

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