Answers, Part V

I was wondering what freshmen Coach Neuheisel is most looking forward to having join the Bruin program this fall? Could any of the Wide Receivers hop in and see time?
The cop-out is he is excited for all of them. However, who he believes can make the quickest impact, if that is what you are asking, is another matter. From what I'm hearing, receiver Nelson Rosario is high on the list, as are defensive backs Rahim Moore, Aaron Hester and Anthony Dye, defensive lineman Datone Jones and running back Aundre Dean.

if you had one word to describe the current state of UCLA football, what would it be?
Rebuilding.

Cliff Harris is generally rated among the top 2-3 defensive back recruits in the west. Why has he not been offered by UCLA/ Is it a question of academics?
You are on the right track.

I have read an article (http://tinyurl.com/449nm6 and others) last week on how UNC fans have seemed to have turned on Ty Lawson for daring to actually leave UNC for the pros - nasty emails and calls and the like, theses fans being revealed to be quite self-centered. I the same vein, Duke fans treated the outgoing Elton Band the same only worse. How have UCLA fans treating Jordan Farmar, Arron Afflalo, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, et al., the past couple of years? Are (were) these guys getting similar treatment?
No, from talking with all of them, they say they get nothing but good vibes from people. Of course, they arrived at UCLA after the Bruins went through their worst period in 40 years, so they may be given more of a pass. Plus, they are good kids who don't cause any trouble and are great character guys.

An old college offensive line coach once told me that a team generally needs eight offensive lineman it can count on because injuries ...UCLA has Kia, Savage, Reed, Glicksberg, and Sheller. I also assume that Ekbetani is counted on to contribute. Are there a couple of other offensive linemen who are being counted on to step in when injuries occur? Who are they?
They are being counted on, mainly because UCLA does not have a choice. But whether they are any good remains to be seen since they haven no experience. The other guys are Mike Harris, Brandon Bennett and Sonny Tevaga.

If Luc heads for the NBA, do you expect Keefe to wind up as the starter at the power forward position?
Yeah, but I think Drew Gordon and Alfred Aboya will both push for playing time.

It has been said that Sean Sheller, a projected starter at offensive tackle, needs to get bigger and stronger to be truly effective at his position. He is listed on the depth chart at 282 pounds. Is it reasonable to anticipate that he will be a 300 pounder by fall camp?
I don't think that is a safe assumption. Strength doesn't mean increased weight. He could wind up cutting down significantly on body fat, but be a much better player at 285 or 290 pounds.

You have mentioned that someone will need to leave the program for a scholarship to open up this fall for Kevin Prince. Is it still expected that this will happen?
I fully expect at least one player to leave the program, and that will probably happen by the end of the month.

I was sorry to read in the blog that Brandon Breazill was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs before the first practice because of a shoulder issue. Is this a new injury or one that he had while playing at UCLA? Will he be able to try out with another team?
I don't know if it was a new injury, but I know he had a sore shoulder late in the season. He will get a tryout with another team, but first he needs to get the shoulder healthy so he can pass his physical.

Do you expect Alex Stepheson to announce his college choice before the birth of your baby? Is UCLA still the favorite to land him?
I do expect that to happen, but that doesn't mean he will be announcing in the next week. And yes, UCLA remains the favorite.