July 2008 Archives

Here is a release from UCLA and the school's list and the list of this summer's Olympians.

With Washington-based basketball recruiting targets and Bellarmine Prep teammates Abdul Gaddy and Avery Bradley losing earlier than anticipated in an AAU tournament in SoCal, it apparently did UCLA no favors.
I was hearing Gaddy and Bradley were going to stop by campus Friday, the first day players could meet up during unofficial visits, to get a look around campus and talk to the coaching staff.
Instead, the word I received was both were heading home and would not come by campus.

A number of folks asked me about Rick Neuheisel's non-conference scheduling philosophy, and recently he talked about it.
With he knowledge of UCLA playing non-conference games against Tennessee, BYU and Fresno State this season, and with Tennessee and Kansas State on the 2009 schedule and Kansas State and Texas on the 2010 schedule, here is what Neuheisel said.
"You should play one marquee non-conference game a year," Neuheisel said. "One marquee game that you are guaranteed a national audience and give your fans that intersectional game where they go every other year to a big name place and those other two games, you have a great chance to be successful. ...What you don't want to do is put yourself in harm's way of missing the post season because you over scheduled the non-conference."
I asked Neuheisel about moving the Tennessee game to the opener and making it so there are seven straight games (Sept. 13-Oct. 25) without a bye, and he said it was worth the reward.
"But I get 12 days between game one and game two, which is where you get your biggest improvement,'' he said. "I was going to play Tennessee anyway and now I get a marquee game where they are talking about UCLA for a week on the most watched sports network (ESPN) and we're getting publicity and if you can answer it with a good performance you can parlay that."

Having the Dallas Cowboys training in Oxnard is giving the UCLA coaching staff something to do. Not only did members of the offensive staff go Monday, but Bruins defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker also went this week to check out the Cowboys and see if there was anything he could incorporate into UCLA's defense.

I spoke to UCLA power forward Drew Gordon the other day, and he said his ailing foot was doing fine. He is playing in the men's gym, but not as much as some of the other players because UCLA wants him to take it easy and not push his foot too hard.
In watching him in the few games I saw, nothing stood out as he just floated up and down the court. He said he anticipates being ready well in advance for practice and isn't experiencing pain in his foot, which he broke late in his senior season.

I spoke to injured UCLA offensive tackle Sean Sheller, who is recovering from a torn ACL and a torn MCL, as well as some nasty abrasions to his ankle, as a result of the off-road vehicle accident he had last month, and he said rehab was going well.
Sheller said his goal is to be ready by spring ball, and that he didn't believe the injuries he sustained were career-threatening.
As for gaining a sixth year of eligibility, that is a decision for the future. He cannot apply for it until after his fifth year, and since he will be a red-shirt sophomore this season, he has plenty of time to decide on a possible sixth year.
One thing working in his favor, though, is he missed practice most of his freshman season because of a knee injury.

UCLA tight end Logan Paulsen is on the Mackey Award watch list. The award is given to the top tight end in the nation. Here is the release:

Members of UCLA's offensive coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Norm Chow, paid a visit to Dallas Cowboys camp in Oxnard to take in practice, and perhaps learn a thing or two.
Also, UCLA offensive line coach Bob Palcic visited the Houston Texans for the same purpose.

This is a release from UCLA about Kahlil Bell being medically cleared for practice:

UCLA senior tailback Kahlil Bell, the team's leading rusher in 2007, has been cleared for full practice. UCLA opens Fall camp next Tuesday, August 5.

Bell tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the first quarter of the Washington State contest (game number eight) and had surgery a few weeks later. He did not participate in Spring Practice.
Bell rushed for 728 yards in UCLA's first seven games and had already gained 67 yards on four carries, including a 50-yard touchdown, when he was injured in Pullman, WA. He finished with 795 yards and his average of 99.4 yards would have ranked fifth in the Pac-10 in 2007 (he did not play enough games to qualify for the rnakings).
Redshirt freshman tailback Raymond Carter, who injured his right anterior cruciate ligament on the second day of Fall camp a year ago, was cleared for full practice a few weeks ago.

I ran into former UCLA football players Chris Markey and Kevin Brown on campus this week and both said they are staying in shape and waiting for an NFL team to call.
Brown learned quickly what a meat-market business the NFL is while with the Seattle Seahawks. He was getting ready to head out for his first practice of camp when word came the Seahawks signed draft pick Lawrence Jackson, and Brown was the casualty. He was released before he could get on the practice field.

Brian called in to report that tailback Kahlil Bell, who has been recovering from knee surgery, has been medically cleared to practice and will be ready to go when camp opens Aug. 5.

Sylmar wing Tyler Honeycutt said he grew up a UCLA fan and is well versed in the history of the program, but that will not be a determining factor on where he plays his college basketball.
He also said geography matters "to my mom, but not me.''
Honeycutt said Texas and Memphis did not offer scholarships yet, but both schools have been watching him closely this month.
What is he looking for in a school:
"Someone who wins. Someone who competes good,'' Honeycutt said. "A good school that I could go to. Good coaching. I've got to like the coaches if I'm going to go play for them."
Here is what he said on his four favorite schools:
USC: "It's a good school. They're always going to battle in the Pac-10, and battle UCLA."
UCLA: "They make it far (in the NCAAs). They have good tradition"
Texas: "I like how they run, how they run and gun."
Memphis: "Same thing as (Texas)."

In talking to the coaching staff, UCLA plans to use junior running back Chane Moline in a hybrid role this season, having him split time between tailback (mostly for short yardage) and also utilizing him as a fullback.
For those that remember how Manuel White was used, it sounds like it will be similar to that.

Time for the Q's to start coming and the A's will follow on Friday.
In the mean time, here is the story I wrote about UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow's contract, and a salary comparison of this staff to coach Karl Dorrell's last staff.

I spoke to Sylmar High wing Tyler Honeycutt last night, and will have more on his recruitment later this morning. However, the hoops star, who was recently offered a scholarship by UCLA, said he will take a unofficial visits to UCLA and USC this weekend.
He said he was hearing Memphis was beginning to recruit him hard, and Texas was also highly interested, although neither of those teams offered him a scholarship yet.
He said UCLA, USC, Memphis and Texas were his top four, but he did not have a favorite.

UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow finally signed his contract late last month, and I was able to get a copy of it today. Like I reported long ago, it's a three-year deal. The new part is he is guaranteed $1.24 million if he stays all three years.
I addressed it in Wednesday's paper, but another interesting thing is UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel put together a remarkable staff, and did so using only $85,000 more than former coach Karl Dorrell had for his last staff at UCLA.

I was able to catch some of the pickup basketball games at the men's gym today, and incoming freshman guard Jrue Holiday looked superb. He has great court vision, plays hard on defense (even in these pickup games) and looks very comfortable.
Word from talking to several of the regulars in attendance is Holiday is making a name for himself on the court, and also off it for the way he handles himself.

A few of more notable players walking on to the football team this fall is Ian Davis, the brother of former UCLA standout defensive end Bruce Davis. Ian Davis is a defensive end out of Clear Creek High in Texas, and it is my understanding he has not played football in a few years.
Also walking on is Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks defensive back Jeff Dickman, and as been previoulsy reported, offensive lineman Brett Downey from Brett Harte High of Angel's Camp.

(Editor's note: We had some blog issues today, so I had to re-post everything from the day. Unfortunately, the comments were lost. Sorry about that.)

From what I'm hearing from a source, Donovan Edwards did not provide UCLA with his summer class grades to be presented to the admission's committee before changing his commitment to Cal.

Hope everyone out there is ok from that earthquake. I know here in the San Fernando Valley we felt it pretty good, and down at UCLA it shook the campus pretty good. For those out of the area, it was a 5.8 earthquake located in Chino Hills.

Donovan Edwards, the offensive line commit who was taking summer school classes in an effort to become eligible for UCLA, has changed his commitment and will now enroll at California.
I will have more on this later today.

I'll be honest, I don't know how important this story is, but it seems to be a hot-button issue for UCLA and USC football fans. Anyway, here is the story I wrote on the possibility of the rules committee changing a rule so UCLA and USC could both wear their home jerseys when the teams meet in 2009.

I wrote a piece for Tuesday's paper that there is a good chance USC and UCLA will each be allowed to wear their home jerseys for the annual football game, beginning in 2009.

With training camp opening Aug. 5, UCLA sent out a press release with many of the usual rules associated with practice, but also with a new part.
Despite practices being open to the public, meaning anyone can post anything on an internet message board or place a comment on a blog (including this one), the school is stating "No live reports/blogging are permitted during practice."
In other words, any non-media member can go to Spaulding Field and post practice updates while practice is taking place, but media members cannot. So I will be posting blog material before and immediately after every practice.

UCLA and Moreno Valley Rancho Verde wing/guard Michael Snaer apparently have split on the recruiting front, with Snaer no longer listing UCLA as a favorite and UCLA no longer recruiting him.
According to Travis Showalter, Snaer's high school coach, the Bruins coaching staff did not follow Snaer during the Las Vegas AAU tournament.
"They didn't come to many of his games in Vegas and they're looking elsewhere as well,'' Showalter said. "Immediate playing time is important, and that's going to be difficult to get with the kids (UCLA) has going in there, unless a bunch of them leave after next season."
Showalter said Snaer's top four schools are Marquette, Missouri, Stanford and Florida State.

I know this is a UCLA blog, but I could not believe this report about Cal's athletic complex.

UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel said on signing day that landing offensive linemen was a priority for the 2009 class, but so far the Bruins only have a handful of offers out to offensive linemen.
I'm hearing they have there eyes more linemen, but are waiting to see how those players perform early in their senior seasons before deciding whether or not to offer scholarships.

Many folks asked the question about a change in UCLA's football uniform, so I spoke to coach Rick Neuheisel about it and he said one was not forthcoming.
However, Neuheisel said he would like to have a game where the players wore throwback uniforms, although he wasn't sure of the era the throwbacks the Bruins would wear.
Neuheisel added he did not think it was something that could be done this season because of logistics involved in such a decision, but believed it was possible to do for the 2009 season.

Training camp is inching closer (Aug. 5), so more news is cropping up regarding the football program. Here are last week's more newsworthy information:

Football:
RB Christian Ramirez was declared academically ineligible, offensive lineman Aaron Meyer and receiver Jamil Turner will not be on the team this fall. (Meyer is graduating and looking to transfer to Nichols State and Turner has stopped playing football.)
Also, the Bruins were picked to finish fifth by the media in the preseason Pac-10 poll and Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel had some poignant things to say about quarterback Ben Olson's leadership.

Basketball:
UCLA added Loyola Marymount to the schedule (Dec. 17 at Pauley). The coaching staff continued to scout AAU tournaments for recruiting, and I should have some information this week about the seriousness of new offers, as well as updates on players UCLA already offered.

UCLA football coach Rck Neuheisel spoke about how shaky backup quarterbacks Chris Forcier and Kevin Craft were in the spring, and how tight each one was during the spring game.
He will not be allowed to watch either practice until the first day of training camp (Aug. 5), but he believes, based solely on more study and throwing experience, each will be better.
He was asked what type grasp Craft, the primary backup, has on the offense.
"Well, hopefully now, better than he did, and it will be better yet when we have another week under our belt and so forth,'' Neuheisel said. "But I think this goes to the experience of a (offensive coordinator) Norm Chow and a (offensive line coach) Bob Palcic.
"We don't have to have every play in and feel like we are going to the game naked. There are coaches out there that the book, this is me, this is who I am and if I don't have all this I feel withdrawn.
"That is why some NFL coaches have 300 plays at the ready list and some NFL coaches go with 100. I think Norm and Bob, both understand it isn't what we know, it is what they (the players) know and let's not ask them to so much, just because it makes us feel like we have our entire arsenal."

UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel won't call this a rebuilding year, but also isn't making any bold predictions about what he wants this season. But he did make it clear that he wants UCLA playing better at the end of the season because it will be important in recruiting.
"I don't want to fall prey to, 'Its okay not to be good,' nor do I want to put a number what it is for us to call ourselves successful,'' Neuheisel said. " "I just want to make sure that we are getting better and that I feel momentum when we go into homes in December. That's my goal."

I spoke to the Pacific-10 office today regarding the jersey situation for the UCLA vs. USC football game, and was told the decision does not lie with Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen (as UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel suggested).
Instead, the decision to allow both teams to wear home jerseys for a game is an NCAA rule.
And a reader was kind enough to email this to me, so I shall share it with you:

http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2007/2007_football_rules.pdf

Rule 1-4 Article 3 on page FR-30 (or thereabouts) says the visiting team needs to wear white unless there is a prior agreement to do otherwise, in which case, the home team apparently wears white.

UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel said the first few practices will be divided differently than many other programs so the backups get more reps.
"We will have a 3:00 (p.m.) session and a a 4:40 (p.m.) session, with the middle session being our special teams, when everybody is on the field. But that way we will have (two) one hour and 20 minutes so everybody is getting reps.
"Meaning at 3:00 one half of the team will be on the field and we will go through and hour and 20 minute practice including the stretching. There will be only two units out there so they are going to get all of it.
"Then for that 4:20 to 4:40 window you're going to have all the team out there, but that is your special teams. And at 4:40 you will have the other half of the team taking those same reps.
"Now because it is only a three hour block and the rule of one practice is three hours, if we want players to be out there for all three, we can do it."
Neuheisel said the first and third teams will work during one session, and the second teams will work against the fourth team.
That new practice schedule will be in effect until the players are in full gear, on the fiftrh day of practice.

In talking about UCLA's right tackle position, Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel said it could be tough for converted tight end Nate Chandler to win the starting spot in training camp since he made the move only a few weeks ago.
However, Neuheisel left little question as to how good Chandler could be in the coming seasons.
"He's as good an athlete as we have on the front,'' Neuheisel said. "How quick his strength and weight get to a place where he's not going to be overmatched, and his learning curve ...those are all questions. But I certainly like the prospect of what he'll look like a year from now. I think he's a bonafide NFL prospect."

I spoke to UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel during Pacific-10 media day about his decision to suspend strong safety Bret Lockett for the Sept. 1 opener against Tennessee for committing a violation of the team's academic policy.
And while I do not find it necessary to reveal what it was, it was a similar incident to what a player did under former coach Karl Dorrell. And Dorrell did not suspend the player.
"I've been guilty of it in the past, in my own mind, of not being pro-active enough in disciplining (players),'' Nueheisel said. "I just want to make sure there are consequences to every action."

Thanks for all the questions this week. Hope the answers helped. Remember, check the blog over the weekend for some new information. I'm hoping to have a few things to report over the weekend.
Now, onto the last set of answers:

Here is the next to last set of answers:

Here is the ninth set of answers:

UCLA men's basketball added Loyola Marymount to its schedule. The teams will meet Dec. 17 at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins also will face Biola University in an exhibition game Nov. 7 at Pauley.

Here is the eight installment:

Here is the seveth installment:

Here is the sixth set:

Here is the fifth set:

Here is the fourth installment:

Here is the third grouping:

Here is the second set of answers:

I can tell the season is getting closer because the excitement is brewing and there were loads of questions. As I get to the first set of what will be 11 sets of answers throughout today, please take the time to answer this poll.

Here is a story I wrote off Pacific-10 media day regarding UCLA's biggest concerns.
Also, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said the Bruins' biggest concern on defense is in the secondary, where starting safeties Dennis Keyes and Chris Horton and starting cornerback Trey Brown must be replaced.
Neuheisel said the Bruins had young talent in the secondary (Rahim Moore, Aaron Hester and Anthony Dye) but need to figure out roles, particularly who would play in nickel packages.

With Nate Chandler moving from tight end to right tackle (I'm hearing his eventual position will be left tackle), UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said freshman tight end Cory Harkey will almost certainly be forced to play this season.

There were reports during the offseason that UCLA and USC would where their home jerseyes for the rivalry game, and I was always confused by it because of the rules involved for it. There were even reports UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel and USC coach Pete Carroll agreed on the matter.
However, Neuheisel said he didn't think it would happen after learning about the rules regarding it during the recent Pac-10 coaches meetings.
"The rules, right now, make it a little tenuous because you have to forfeit a timeout,'' Neuheisel said. "We were both of the mind that you only had to forfeit a timeout in the first half, but we were told that we would have to forfeit a timeout in both halves, and that's a little scary in a game that matters that much."
Neuheisel said the only way it would work was if the Pac-10 ruled it would have to forfeit a timeout only in the first half.
"My guess is we're going to get turned down,'' Neuheisel said. "But hopefully it isn't that far off because the game should be that way."

UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel said running back Raymond Carter (knee) was 100 percent and cleared for training camp. He said he continues to hear tremendous things about running back Kahlil Bell, who had reconstructive knee surgery in December, and he expects Bell to be ready for camp.
The only nagging injury is to tight end Ryan Moya's hamstring, but Neuheisel said he expects Moya to be ready for Aug. 5 training camp.

Here are a few things that came out of Pac-10 media day, in regards to UCLA:

--UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said Nate Chandler, Mike Harris and Nick Ekbatani would compete for the right tackle spot. (He is not allowed to speak about Donovan Edwards because he is not in school yet.)
--UCLA and USC likely will not both wear home uniforms when they play this season, Neuheisel said.
--QB Osaar Rasshan is rehabbing from offseason knee surgery, but is experiencing soreness and Neuheisel said he was not sure if Rasshan would be ready for training camp.
--Neuheisel re-iterated what he told me a few months ago about QB Ben Olson being the starter entering camp, but said Olson needs to display more leadership skills.
--Outside of offensive line, Neuheisel said the sorting out of the secondary remains the biggest issue.
--Former center Aaron Meyer may try to transfer to Nicholls State to finish his career. Neuheisel confirmed what I already reported, that Meyer will not play this season and his scholarship will be open.

One thing I'm hearing is junior college offensive lineman Donovan Edwards is progressing well and is expected to get the neccessary grades at Diablo Valley Community College so he can enroll at UCLA and take part in training camp, which begins Aug. 5.

Here is part of the question and answers segment with UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel and defensive tackle Brigham Harwell during media day.

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This is UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's opening statement to the media at Pac-10 media day.
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UCLA receiver Jamil Turner will not return for his fourth season. However, he will remain in school and finish his degree. So it is clear, it means he will not come back for a fifth year, thus freeing up a scholarship for the next recruiting class.

UCLA was picked to finish fifth in the Pacific-10 in the media poll released this morning at Pac-10 media day. USC was a near unanimous selection, getting 38 of a possible 39 first-place votes. Here is the poll:

1. USC (38)
2. Arizona State
3. Oregon
4. California (1)
5. UCLA
6. Oregon State
7. Arizona
8. Washington
9. Stanford
10. Washington State

(first-place votes in parenthesis)

Here is a story I wrote on UCLA quarterback Ben Olson that ran in today's paper.

Aaron Meyer, a seldom-used offensive lineman, is leaving the program, according to sources. I'm told he will have enough credits to graduate after his summer session, and decided not to play a fifth year in the program.
I have a little more on it in Thursday's paper.

A new walk-on quarterback participating in the 7-on-7s is Tyler Tuiasosopo. He is a 5-foot-10, 210 pounder from Everett (Wash.) Mariner High.
His uncle is former NFL player Manu Tuiasosopo, who was with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. His first cousin is Marques Tuiasosopo of the Oakland Raiders.
He has not gotten many reps in the summer drills.

One of the more impressive freshman during the summer passing drills has been quarterback Kevin Prince, a Crespi High of Encino product. Prince has looked sharp and shown good arm strength during the 7-on-7 drills, and several of the veteran players remarked to me that he looked very good.
From what I'm hearing, Prince, fellow freshman Nick Crissman and red-shirt freshman Chris Forcier will be battling for the third string spot during training camp.

Joining UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel at Pacific-10 football media day Thursday will be fifth-year senior defensive end Brigham Harwell. I find him to be a great kid, with a positive outlook on life whom many (including myself) could learn a lesson or two from in handling tough situations.
I wrote this story about Harwell in 2004, and thought it was worth sharing with everyone again.
So, here it is:

Send in some questions by 8 a.m. on Friday, and the answers will appear throughout Friday. (Also, keep in mind Thursday is Pac-10 media day, so I will have updates throughout the day.)

Although UCLA strong safety Bret Lockett is suspended for the season opener against Tennessee, he is not sitting by idly and waiting for practice to begin Aug. 5.
Although he is not participating in 7-on-7 drills, he is spending time with the younger safeties after nearly every play during the passing sessions.
Also, by allowing him to practice during training camp, he will be ready and in shape for the Sept. 13 game at BYU.

UCLA announced that tailback Christian Ramirez is academically ineligible for the season also announced what was reported by the Daily News last week, that strong safety Bret Lockett is suspended for season opener against Tennessee because of a violation of the team's academic rules.
Here is the release from UCLA:

UCLA tailback Christian Ramirez has been ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming season. He is expected to use the year to red-shirt, and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
I should have more later tonight.

The Pacific-10 Conference is running a football preview of each team, and today's feature team is UCLA. Here is the link.

Some people love this stuff, and others don't care. But here are the uniforms numbers of the incoming football freshmen:

Here is a release from UCLA about a deal for tickets to the season opener against Tennessee and the Pepsi 500 NASCAR race. Both are on Labor Day weekend:

Every time I'm out watching 7-on-7s, fifth-year senior receiver Marcus Everett is standing out. In talking with some of the other players, each one brings up how well Everett is doing. And, he looks good and decisive running routes, his body is more sculpted and his confidence is high.
Certainly, among the returning receivers, Everett is standing out the most.

UCLA offensive lineman Nick Ekbatani, who spent his first two years in the program as a guard, is playing right tackle during summer passing drills as the Bruins look to replace injured starter Sean Sheller.

UCLA running back Kahlil Bell continues to look great in 7-on-7 drills and will be ready for training camp. He is showing great acceleration catching the ball and moving laterally. The only inkling he is coming off reconstructive knee surgery is the brace he is wearing during the drills.
Technically, Bell has not be medically cleared to practice, but he told me recently he expects that to happen in early August, when he is examined by the UCLA doctors.
Bell, who is expected to be UCLA's top running back this season, added his legs feel great, other than the fatigue he is experiencing from the 7-on-7s and the hard work he is putting into his rehab.

One thing I keep hearing from my sources is tight end Zach Ertz, a Stanford commit from Monte Vista High of Danville, is high on UCLA and not to be surprised if he flips. However, I'm also told Cal is also a possible destination for him.

Pacific-10 media day is Thursday, and I'll have news from there. In the meantime, UCLA's second opponent is picked to win its conference. BYU, which defeated the Bruins in the Las Vegas Bowl last season, was picked to win the Mountain West title.

Here is a story I wrote on Alterraun Verner during the 2006 season.

I will be on ESPN radio 1530-AM in Austin, Texas, today at 12:20 p.m. (PDT)

UCLA's football media guide is out and I always find it interesting to check the assigned recruiting areas for the coaching staff.
So, here it is for UCLA:
LB coach Chuck Bullough: San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, Santa Clarita, Antelope Valley
OC Norm Chow: Utah, Hawaii
ST coach Frank Gansz Jr.: Bay Area, Central Coast, Dallas
Safeties coach Tim Hauck: Central Valley, San Diego, Pacific Northwest, Northern Nevada
DL coach Todd Howard: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, Florida, Louisiana
WR coach Reggie Moore: Los Angeles, Houston, Arizona
RB coach Wayne Moses: Inland Empire, East Bay
OL coach Bob Palcic: Orange County
DC DeWayne Walker: Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley

(Coaches will recruit different regions if a player from their position is there)

Here is the new feature reviewing the most pressing things that took place last week:

Football
I reported strong safety Bret Lockett was suspended for the first game of the season (UCLA's announcement should be forthcoming).
Nate Chandler was moved from tight end to right tackle because of the offensive line depth woes.
It remains questionable whether DT Jess Ward (knee) will be ready for the beginning of training camp.

Basketball
Daily News staffer Scott Wolf reported North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson to USC's coaching staff he would be a Trojan.
Anthony Stover of Renaissance Academy of La Canada and Tyler Honeycutt of Sylmar received scholarship offers.

Rather than transfer to UC-Davis and participate in wrestling, I'm hearing former UCLA fullback Dylan Rush will begin a career as a mixed martial arts fighters. I'm also hearing one of the reasons Rush is not going to UC-Davis is because he could not get a full wrestling scholarship.

Former UCLA center Kevin Love was added to the Team USA select team. Here is the release.

Here is an item from an ESPN blog about UCLA's new training methods. Take from it what you want, but nearly every time a new coach comes aboard, it is met with great enthusiasm.
When Doc Kreis was hired as the strength and conditioning coach, I did a story on UCLA's new workout regimen, and the players talked about how much they loved Kreis and how they were finally getting the proper training.
By the end of Karl Dorrell's tenure, players were privately complaining about Kreis' methods.

I spoke to UCLA defensive tackle Brigham Harwell last week for a few minutes before one of the workout sessions, and he is in incredible physical shape. He also said he feels healthy for the first time in years (he had ankle and knee injuries throughout his career) and plans on dominating the middle of the line of scrimmage.

In talking to a bunch of UCLA's football players the last few weeks, one thing they each continue to talk about is how much more structured things are offensively with Norm Chow in charge.
Although the workouts are voluntary (yeah, right), the players say there is more organization within the program, and the purpose involved with the workouts are much better. And many of the players point to Chow, the offensive coordinator, as the reason for it.

Thanks for all the questions this week and I hope the answers were helpful. Now, here is the ninth and final set of answers to the questions:

Here is the eight set of answers:

Here is the seventh set of answers:

Here is the sixth set of answers:

Here is the fifth set of answers:

This is the fourth set of answers:

Here is the third set:

I received some inquiries about whether Fox will broadcast Bruin rewind again. I am told it will not be on again this fall, a decision made by Fox.

Here is the second set of answers:

Thanks for all the questions this week. Sorry for the late start, but there will be at least seven sets of answers:

I'm told UCLA center Jake Dean's MRI on his injured foot came back fine and that he is expected to be ready for training camp, which begins Aug. 5. He is still suffering from plantar's fasciitis, but should be fine.
Also, LB Josh Edwards is still in a walking boot, but he should be out of it by the end of the month and ready for camp.

Sorry folks, I was away from my computer the last few hours and was not able to post stuff, but here are a few things:
First, UCLA's game Oct. 18 against Stanford at the Rose Bowl will kickoff at 1 p.m. and be telecast on Fox Sports Net West.
Second, the training camp schedule is set, and the release is below.
And below that release is a list of Olympians from UCLA.

In an effort to avoid injuries, particularly to the legs, UCLA is doing a lot of stretching before and after workouts this summer. It is something new strength and conditioning coach Mike Linn did in spring practice, and he continues to do it during the offseason conditioning drills.
Ten to 15 minutes are spent stretching after workouts in an effort to increase flexibility, which, in turn, he believes will reduce injuries.

Former UCLA walk-on receiver Matt Willis remains on the Baltimore Ravens roster and has been a frequent visitor to Spaulding Field for offseason workouts. Willis, a former track athlete at UCLA, took a few years off from football before resuming his career.
With his NFL stature, many of the players I talk to point to Willis as motivation under the "anything is possible" banner.

UCLA defensive tackle Jess Ward, a key backup, had knee surgery in after the season, and is supposed to be ready for training camp, is still rehabbing the knee. I'm hearing he may not be 100 percent ready when training camp opens.

Debbie Iwasaki, UCLA's head football trainer the last three seasons, is no longer with the school. She took a job in Northern California in the private sector. A UCLA graduate, Iwasaki spent the last 10 years at her alma mater.

Daily News staffer Ramona Shelburne ran into UCLA freshman Jrue Holiday at the Gatorade national player of the year award ceremony Wednesday. He said he took took 2 months off to rest after HS season but is on campus now, rooming with J'mison Morgan.

Q: Now that (Darren) Collison is back, do you know what position you'll play? Does it matter to you?
A: it doesn't matter. whatever they need me as. i can play shooting guard or point

Q: Where do you project in the pros?
A: I don't know. I kind of think I'm a scorer. But I can be a leader, like a point guard too.

Q: who is your favorite player then?
A: My dad.

Q: and what did he play?
A: shooting guard

Q: who is your favorite pro?
A: Tracy McGrady and Dominique Wilkins

Q: what pro do you want to be like? or pattern your game after?
A: probably Baron Davis or Dwyane Wade.

Q: what are your thoughts on being a one-and-done player?
A: I'm not sure about that. College is an experience I want to cherish. One year might not be enough. So I don't know yet. I know my mom really wants me to stay two years.

Here is the story I wrote for the Daily News on UCLA strong safety Bret Lockett being suspended for the opener against Tennessee.

Daily News colleague Scott Wolf had this story about Alex Stepheson and USC in today's paper.

For those night owls out there, I have an item running in Thursday's paper that starting strong safety Bret Lockett is suspended for the opener against Tennessee. He will be allowed in training camp and to practice with the team, and will be able to play against BYU on Sept. 13.

UCLA reserve offensive lineman Jake Dean has his left foot in a walking boot. He was diagnosed with plantar's fascia, and he isn't expected to miss significant time. However, Dean may have an MRI this week to make sure there isn't a fracture in his foot.

I will be on 830-AM in Los Angeles at 7:20 p.m. for those who care.
(For those who don't care, I will still be on.)

UCLA basketball target Anthony Stover, a center out of La Canada Renaissance Academy, said he received a scholarship offer from the Bruins on Tuesday night. However, he said he will not decide on a school until late October or early November.
"I really don't have a favorite right now,'' Stover said. "I'm keeping all of my options open until the end of July. Then, I will sit down and come up with a top five.''
Stover has played well on the AAU summer circuit, which has stirred plenty of interest. Most of the Pac-10, as well as Gonzaga and Connecticut, have offered Stover, but he said he will take visits to five schools in September and October before committing.

*This entry was edited. From now on, I will attempt to include the sport when posting about something that could be ambiguous.

A difference in UCLA's throwing program this summer is a lack of compeition against junior colleges. The reason, I'm told, is quite simple. A rule was instituted where JUCOs can no longer bring their coaching staffs to the 7-on-7s, so UCLA will not be throwing against any of them.

I was on hand for another of UCLA's 7-on-7 passing days Tuesday, and several newcomers continue to standout. One is speedy receiver Antwan Moutra, who is now drawing double coverage because of his ability to get down the field.
The buzz is Moutra should give the Bruins something they lacked recently -- a downfield threat with big-play ability.
Defensive backs Rahim Moore, Aaron Hester and Anthony Dye continue to perform well. Also, Jonathan Franklin showed tremendous burst and speed during the session.
Finally, receiver Nelson Rosario, who missed last week's passing drills with a hand injury, was in the mix. His size will be a huge asset, and he showed off good hands. He also glided effortlessly while running routes.

(Yes, I know it is 7-on-7 and putting the pads on with live hitting is another matter. However, at this point, it is all we have to gone on, and I am trying to compare it with year's past.)

Here is the story I wrote for today's paper on Nate Chandler moving from tight end to offensive line.
Also, and I almost forgot, it's Q&A time. Send in some Q's by 8 a.m. Friday, and I will provide the A's throughout the day.

It's making the rounds on the internet that the mother of former UCLA wing Chace Stanback won $25,000 on an internet game site (livethefastrack.com). I spoke to Sarah Quick on Tuesday about that and she said there was a possibility she could use the money for her son to walk-on to a school for a year before being awarded a scholarship.
However, she said no determination has been made as to where he will attend, and she didn't expect a decision until the end of the month.
Also, Chace is visiting family in North Carolina, and she said he would visit a few schools while he was back there.

I was on UCLA's campus Tuesday working on a story when Florida quarterback Tim Tebow showed up at Spaulding Field with a few cronies and worked out.
Let me say this: Tebow, in town for the ESPY's, was quite impressive. From his arm strength to accuracy to his quickness and speed, it was amazing. The Heisman winner worked out for about 30 minutes or so.

I spoke to UCLA's Nate Chandler tonight after a 7-on-7 throwing session about his move from tight end to right tackle. He said offensive coordinator Norm Chow spoke to him about it Friday, and he decided to make the move for the betterment of the team, and his career.
"It sucked at first,'' Chandler said. "But if you look at it in the long run, I think it's a smart move. I think I can play both positions and can be good at them. I think I can be good at it.''

As former UCLA wing Chace Stanback looks for a new home, there are scholarship issues at some of his possible destinations. According to folks at Washington and UNLV, neither school has any remaining scholarships to offer Stanback for the upcoming season, so he may have to pay his own way for a season before something would open ...if he goes either of those places.

Former UCLA linebacker Justin London has not given up on his NFL dream, and here is a story from his hometown paper in Roanoke, Va., to prove it.
I thought London was a top prospect before the coaching staff asked him to play his junior season basically on one leg because of an ankle injury, and I thought London never recovered.

Some folks asked me about the health of tailback Raymond Carter, and how he is looking coming back from reconstructive knee surgery last fall. Carter looks fine in workouts and is expected to be ready for training camp next month.

In an effort to bolster the depth on the offensive line, red-shirt freshman tight end Nate Chandler has been shifted to offensive tackle. It is my understanding he will compete for the starting right tackle spot. I'll have more on this later tonight.

Pacific-10 media day is fast approaching, so preseason poll ballots are being gathered. Here is mine:

1. USC
2. Arizona State
3. California
4. Oregon
5. Oregon State
6. Washington
7. UCLA
8. Washington State
9. Arizona
10. Stanford

From what I'm hearing, UCLA's focus is on a handful of prospects for the 2009 class. The Bruins already have commitments from Modesto Christian's Reeves Nelson and Rocklin's Branden Lane.
UCLA coach Ben Howland was in Washington to watch the Bellarmine Prep duo of Abdul Gaddy and Avery Bradley. The Bruins are also interested in Sylmar's Tyler Honeycutt, Moreno Valley's Michael Snaer and Renaissance Academy's Anthony Stover.
While things in recruiting change quickly, I'm told not to expect a commitment from anyone until next month, at the earliest.

UCLA incoming freshman big man Drew Gordon was supposed to play for the under-18 national team, but decided not to. The decision, in talking with several people at UCLA, appears to be made in consultation with Bruins coach Ben Howland.
Gordon was injured, including a broken foot, during his senior season at Archbishop Mitty. Rather than risk another injury or concern his foot has not healed fully, a decision was made for Gordon to skip the tryout and begin taking summer classes at UCLA.
I'm trying to get in touch with Howland about the schedule and a few other things, but have not been able to connect with him to ask him about Gordon.

UCLA's Alfred Aboya had one rebound and four fouls in 10 minutes as Cameroon lost to Croatia 93-79 in its opening game of group play for Olympic qualifying.

UCLA wing Michael Roll is playing pickup games in the men's gym, but it does not mean all is well with his ailing left foot.
I spoke to Roll the other day and he said he was still experiencing discomfort in his foot, and he had to take a day or two off every few days to let it rest. Citing word he received from his doctors, he is optimistic he will be ready when practice begins in October, but he added there are no guarantees.
He said the plantar fascia completely snapped in his foot, so scar tissue must grow back to replace it. He said he was told the discomfort (and sometimes pain) is from the scar tissue, and the only way his foot will fully heal is with rest.
When I asked him if he plans on taking a few weeks off during the summer so his foot can fully heal, he said he may do that.

A suggestion from a reader last week was for me to do a Monday review of what took place with UCLA the past week, and maybe even give a few look aheads for the coming week. I'll try it out here (and please vote on the attached poll) to see how it works.

It's the summer, so there isn't news creeping out every second, but here's a few things from the last week that I thought was interesting.
First, UCLA finally started 7-on-7 drills, and although it is without pads and doesn't tell much as to whom will play roles once the season begins, I thought it was notable that a few freshman (receiver Antwan Moutra and cornerback Aaron Hester) were getting rave reviews from teammates.
Also, Ben Olson (foot surgery) said he was going to begin throwing today after being cleared to run more than a week ago.
Alfred Aboya is with Cameroon's basketball team trying to qualify for the Olympics, but Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is with the Milwaukee Bucks' summer league team in Las Vegas.
Russell Westbrook (Seattle/Oklahoma City) and Mbah a Moute and Kevin Love (MInnesota) all signed contracts with NBA teams and former UCLA wing Chace Stanback is looking at Washington, UNLV and North Carolina State, according to his high school coach.
Finally, UCLA released its basketball schedule, although a few opponents are yet to be named.
(All this information is on back posts of the blog, so give a look if need be).

The final chance for some nations to qualify for the Olympics in men's basketball begins Monday, and Cameroon's first game is against Croatia. If you want to chart Aboya's progress, here is a link to do so.
Again, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is playing in Las Vegas in the summer league for the Milwaukee Bucks, and will not play for Cameroon.

One of UCLA's projected starting linebackers, Josh Edwards, is not taking part in 7-on-7 drills because his ankle is in a walking boot. I'm told he will be ready for training camp, but he is missing conditioning and workout time because of the injury.

Renaissance Academy of La Canada's Anthony Stover has played well on the summer AAU circuit, and has impressed the UCLA coaching staff, according to a few of my moles. It is still uncertain whether UCLA will offer the centerbut I'm told the chances are much better now than a few months ago.

I get a lot of questions about Fairfax High standout Renardo Sidney and to what level UCLA is recruiting him. In talking to a few sources, the Bruins are in a wait-and-see mode, and are not pushing hard for him.

UCLA reserve quarterback Osaar Rasshan said he is recovering well from patella surgery on his left knee and he should be ready for August training camp. Rasshan, in joking around, said he was "82 percent" after recently being cleared to run.

Earlier this week former UCLA players Matt Ware, Matt Clark, Bruce Davis, Trey Brown and Matt Slater were on campus watching the 7-on-7s, afterward Brown and Davis worked out with a few of the current players.
Ware is playing in Arizona, Davis is with Pittsburgh, Brown is with Chicago and Slater is with New England.
Clark, who bounced around in some NFL camps and played with Hamilton in Canada last year, said he was getting ready to become a firefighter, which would have him following in the footsteps of former Bruins running back Manuel White Jr.

Returning players are talking about the performances of cornerback Aaron Hester, safety Rahim Moore and receiver Antwan Moutra during the first week of 7-on-7 passing drills, but I also had a few players speak about tight end Cory Harkey.
According to one of the players, Harkey has the ability to be UCLA's next great tight end once he gets acclimated to college. However, with Ryan Moya (who looks markedly bigger and stronger) and Logan Paulsen on the roster, not to mention Nate Chandler, I'm hearing Harkey will red-shirt.

UCLA just offered Oaks Christian tight end Chris Coyle, but apparently it was too little, too late. Coyle committed to Arizona State.

Folks, thanks for all the questions. I knew there would be a lot because I was away for so long, and you did not disappoint. I'm sorry to break it up over two days, but I do it that way because listing all the questions at once is not reader-friendly. (It does not have to do with blog hits)
Here is the final set of answers, and I will have more stuff throughout the weekend about football and basketball.

Oaks Christian High tight end Chris Coyle received a scholarship offer from UCLA, and from what I've heard the Bruins are pushing hard on the recruitment.

Morning, folks. Here is the 12th set of answers after a record number of questions:

I will have a few more sets of answers Saturday morning, and post if there is breaking news tonight, but for now this is the last set of answers for the night:

Here is the tenth set:

Here is the ninth set:

Here is the eighth set:

Here is the seventh grouping:

Diamond Ranch of Pomona cornerback Brandon Sermons received a scholarship offer from UCLA today. The position is something UCLA wanted to move quickly on because of the de-commitments of Myron Pollard and Byron Moore Jr.

There will be at least 11 sets of answers today. Here is the sixth set:

Here is the fifth set:

UCLA released its men's basketball schedule today. Here it is:

Here is the fourth installment:

Here is the third set of answers:

Here is the second set of answers:

As I thought, there were loads and loads of questions, which is a good thing. About 100 responses came in, so there will be answers and more answers throughout the day.
Right now I am looking at at least 10 sets of answers, so let's get it started.

I was at UCLA's 7-on-7 Thursday and the thing that jumped out at me was the ability of several of the freshmen defensive backs, particularly Aaron Hester and Rahim Moore. Both are instinctual, although their technique needs work.
Several returning players were also raving about freshman receiver Antwan Moutra. Freshman receiver Nelson Rosario did not participate because of a hand injury, but it is not thought to be serious.
Also, quarterback Ben Olson (foot surgery) is cleared and began running, but did not throw in the drills. He said he is hoping to start throwing Monday.
There is one notable position change. Chinonso Anyanwu moved from defensive end to strong side linebacker.

There isn't a lot of information coming out about North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson's situation, other than UCLA remains involved in the process.
I was told he has been on campus a few times to play at the men's gym, but I am yet to find someone who will speak (or has knowledge about) what Stepheson is planning to do. I am also told there is no timetable for a decision to be made.

I spoke to Chace Stanback's high school coach, Harvey Kitani, today and was told Stanback is also looking at the University of Washington and also UNLV.
In fact, the Fairfax High coach said Stanback visited Washington in late June.
"I know he took a visit there (to Washington) two weeks ago or so,'' Kitani said. "I talked to him before he left for Washington. I know he went to visit N.C. State and I believe he is going to visit UNLV."

I was on campus today and stopped in the men's gym to watch some pickup basketball, and point guard Darren Collison was there. He looks fit and is much bigger in the shoulders, which makes sense because he is working very hard in the weight room to increase his strength and put on extra weight.
Unfortunately, many of the players took the day off so they weren't around to shoot, but I will be on campus when they play again next week and should have more.

I'm hoping this will be the last post regarding former UCLA power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and his chances of playing for Cameroon in Olympic qualifying.
I spoke to his brother, Armel Minyem, earlier today about Luc playing for Cameroon.
"Right now, it's not going to happen,'' Minyem said.
On a side note, Minyem said the multi-year contract Mbah a Moute signed with the Bucks was guaranteed, although I do not have the dollar amount of the deal.

I was told former UCLA wing Chace Stanback was looking at Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and Wake Forest, as well as at least one other West Coast school that I am not at liberty to disclose now, but may be able to shortly.

My sources at UCLA are encouraged and optimistic Diablo Valley CC offensive lineman Donovan Edwards will get the needed grades and qualify to attend UCLA, and be on campus in August for training camp.
The plan is for Edwards to contend for the starting right tackle spot, which was vacated when Sean Sheller suffered a season-ending knee injury in an off-road vehicle accident.
But UCLA will not know Edwards' status until late July, when his summer session ends.

Even while on vacation I was hearing former UCLA power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was not going to be allowed to play for Cameroon's national team in Olympic qualifying because of the Milwaukee Bucks want him to play for their summer league team.
I spoke to a source Wednesday about that, and was told Mbah a Moute was still holding out hope, although it really looks like a long shot now.
Mbah a Moute signed with the Bucks and it looks like he will play in the summer league rather than join Cameroon's team in a few days.
Here's a story from NBA.com about it, and note the last paragraph that spells out Mbah a Moute's schedule.

I have no idea what transpired while I was away with from the blog, but let me say this:
I do no tolerate posters attacking other posters, and I do not tolerate inproper language, even if symbols are used instead of letters. If either thing takes place, I will ban you.

Russell Westbrook is guaranteed more than $7 million with his contract with Oklahoma City, and will make more than $16 million if the NBA team picks up the options (usually done with such high picks) in the third and fourth years of his deal.
According to the NBA salary structure, Westbrook is guaranteed $3,493,680 this season, and $3,755,640 next season. The option years are for $4,017,720 and $5,082,415.

UCLA lost the commitments of Byrone Moore Jr. and Myron Pollard, but sources told me the Pollard decision could change again.
While Moore Jr. always was thought to be a USC lean if the Trojans offered, Pollard's decision to change to Notre Dame was a bit of a surprise.
However, sources told me there was a chance Pollard could still wind up at UCLA.

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero will serve as the chairman for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2009-10. He was on the committee the last few years.
Here is the release from the NCAA:

It's a subtle change, but one difference in UCLA's recruiting strategy under coach Rick Neuheisel is to have a few coaches on campus throughout the month of July.
Under former coach Karl Dorrell, there were times no coaches were on campus during the month, which is a laid back time of the recruiting year, so if a prospect stopped by there was a chance no coach would be there to greet them.
Now, that is not the case since several coaches will be on campus each day in case someone drops by for an unofficial visit.

I'm sure there will be loads of questions since I've been off for a while, so send some in by Friday at 8 a.m. and the answers will appear later throughout the day.

UCLA's path to a possible fourth straight men's basketball Pac-10 title got a little easier when Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings did not qualify academically and will not enroll in school.
"We're disappointed in terms of Brandon's decision, but we want to wish him the best of luck,'' Arizona coach Lute Olson said. "We hope that things turn out well for him in the future."

Hey, folks, I'm back from an extended vacation and plan on being around for the next nine months or so to take you through football and basketball season.
Lots of things happened since I was gone, including Luc Richard Mbah a Moute remaining in the NBA draft, football commits Myron Pollard and Byron Moore Jr. de-commiting, quarterback Kevin Prince officially enrolling at UCLA, OL Greg Capella committing to UCLA, JUCO OL Josh Edwards saying he will attend UCLA if he gets the neccessary grades in summer school and projected starting right tackle Sean Sheller injuring his knee and being out for the season.
Oh, and there was also hoops coach Ben Howland getting another raise and also landing Brendan Lane for the 2009 class.
Anyway, it's nice to be back.

UCLA left-handed pitcher Brendan Lafferty was named to the 2008 Northwoods League All-Star game. Read on for more from UCLA:

Malcolm Lee was named to the USA Basketball U-18 team today. Here's the release:

This is an articleI wrote for today's paper - there was also a version that ran online - on UCLA losing two commitments from recruits over the last two days.

New draft pick Russell Westbrook and his Oklahoma City teammates are getting used to being called the Oklahoma City somethings. The team nickname hasn't been chosen yet. Here's a story from the Associated Press.

Former UCLA baseball player Chase Utley, the second baseman for the Phillies, was selected to start for the National League in next week's All-Star game in New York.

Marlon Pollard is the second defensive back to de-commit from UCLA in the last week (Byron Moore de-committed and committed to USC). Asked if he was worried defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker might leave for a head coaching gig, Pollard said:
``That was definitely in my mind. He was the person I liked a lot at that school. Coach (Karl) Dorrell left. I just didn't want to choose a college over one person I'd be working with. I respect him to the fullest. I have to make the right decision overall for my whole college. I've been in California my whole life. I don't really like California, to tell you the truth. I've been wanting to get away from California. It's not that I don't like it, but it's time for a change. I've lived here my whole life. I want to travel.''

Just spoke to Marlon Pollard, who de-committed from UCLA and committed to Notre Dame. Asked if it was a hard decision, Pollard said:
``I don't know if it was hard, but it was just the right decision for me. I had to go where my heart was.''

The Bruins got a commitment last week from offensive lineman Greg Capella (El Diamante of Visalia). UCLA could certainly use him this year, but he's in the 2009 class.

According to scout.com, CB Marlon Pollard de-committed from UCLA and has committed to Notre Dame.
``We opened the possibility of looking elsewhere, and we talked with the coaches at UCLA and obviously everyone knows there was a big coaching change," Rachael Pollard told Scout.com. "Right around that time, we thought we should at least explore other opportunities, not because of the coaching staff, Rick (Neuheisel) is a great guy and the people he's brought on have helped strengthen that coaching staff. We are not leaving UCLA because they don't have the potential to win there. They're a great program, with great facilities and a great.''
I'll try to have more on this soon.

UCLA just sent this on Jackie Robinson's induction last week in the College Baseball Hall of Fame:

As part of his sit-a-thon at the Rose Bowl beginning today, Jim Purol will try to find the best seat in the Rose Bowl (he'll let us know when he's done sometime Friday). Anyone think he/she has the best seat in the house? If so, where is it?

Dawn Harper finished third in the 100-meter hurdles to qualify for the Olympics. Read more from UCLA:

Jim ''Mouth'' Purol begins his quest to sit in every seat at the Rose Bowl beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The event is open to the public. Purol estimates it will take him five days to get through every seat, which he'll do with virtually no breaks. Purol is doing this to break a world record for most seats sat in during a 48-hour period. He's also raising money to for Outward Bound.

Norm Chow was voted the top offensive coordinator in the country according to cbssportsline. This is from last week, but I figured it would still be an interesting read.

Jessica Cosby, a former UCLA standout and current throws coach, won the hammer competition to qualify for the Olympics. Here's the UCLA release on her and other Bruin notes from the track trials.

Ex-Bruin Amy Acuff qualified for her fourth Olympic Games by clearing 6-foot-4 in the high jump. She finished second to qualify for Beijing. Meb Keflezighi lost his bid for a third Olympics by finishing 13th in the 10,000 meters. Here's the release from UCLA:

From UCLA: Amanda Beard, who is coached by UCLA head coach Cyndi Gallagher, has
qualified for her fourth Olympic Games after having finished second in
the 200 breast (2:25.13) at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha,
NE on Friday. Beard, who joined Team Bruin earlier this year, joins
UCLA alum Kim Vandenberg as 2008 Olympians for America.

Also on Friday in Omaha, sophomore-to-be Sam Vanden Berge placed 46th
in the 800 freestyle in a time of 8:57.26.

Have a wonderful fourth of July. Enjoy the day.

Here's an update from UCLA on how former Bruins are doing at the Olympic track trials.

This is from UCLA:
Bruin alum Kim Vandenberg finished third in her signature event, the
200 butterfly (2:08.48), on Thursday at the Olympic Swimming Trials in
Omaha, Nebraska. With that finish, Vandenberg misses a spot on the
Olympic team for an individual event by just one place.
Also a volunteer coach for the Bruins, Vandenberg is a relay alternate
for the 800 freestyle relay and will head to Beijing in August. In the
100 freestyle, Vandenberg placed 19th in a time of 55.60. Senior-to-be
Anna Poteete was also in action on Thursday as she finished 75th in
the 100 free with her time of 57.16.
Team Bruin member and three-time Olympic Amanda Beard was second in
the semifinal round of the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:25.43 and
will swim for a spot on her fourth Olympic team on Friday. In the
morning session heats, Beard had the third-fastest time of the day
with a swim of 2:26.86.

Here's a storythat ran in today's paper on former UCLA swimmer Kim Vandenberg from Erik Boal, who's in Omaha for the Olympic swimming trials.

Sean Sheller had surgery today to repair torn ligaments in his left knee today. He injured the knee while riding in an ATV.
Here's a release from UCLA:

I will be out of the office on assignments most of the day but will try to post when I can. One of the assignments is to hang out with Noelle Quinn while she helps distribute food to needy famillies, so I'll have more on that later.

Ben Howland received a raise yesterday that will pay him nearly $2 million this year and $2.3 million in the final year of the seven-year contract. Plus, there's incentives.

Former UCLA star Baron Davis agreed in principle to a five-year deal with the Clippers yesterday. Think he can help the Clippers win an NBA title?

Just had a conference call with Ben Howland. I asked him about Alfred Aboya's status next year, and he's planning on Aboya playing his final season.
``I'm counting on him coming back,'' Howland said. ``I would be devastated if he didn't come back. Anything is possible. You never know what's going to happen.''

Anthony Curran has been named overall jumps coach, and Jessica Cosby was named women's throws coach. Here's the UCLA release:

Just got a call from another Centennial official who said Eric Scott's hiring is not official yet but will be if approved by the district. Apparently, the original person I confirmed this did not know it wasn't official.
Centennial submitted paperwork requesting Scott be the new head football coach at Centennial, but the school is still waiting for approval from the district. This was explained by another Centennial official.

Eric Scott was recommended to be the head football coach at Centennial High in Compton, but the school is still waiting on clearance from the district for that to be official, a Centennial official just told me. Earlier, someone at the school confirmed he was the new head coach, but moments ago I received a call from another school official who said it's not official until paperwork is approved by the district.

Ben Howland received a new seven-year deal which has him making $1.97 million for the upcoming season. By 2014-15, he'll make $2.35 million per year.
The following is the release from UCLA:

Ben Howland will receive another raise, it is expected to be announced today. I should have details of the contract later. Howland has taken UCLA to the Final Four the last three years.