Q&A time

Where do you sit at the UCLA football games? Even though you aren't a fan of UCLA, do you still enjoy being at the games? Do you ever get a little bit excited when the Bruins have a big win (i.e. 13-9 against USC)?

SORRY FOR THE COMPOUND QUESTION :)

Brian,

Your blog is a regular destination at work a couple of times a day. Solid information is always appreciated. Onto the questions:

1. Presuming Ramirez is able to get his schoolwork in order, will he return as a running back? Or might he get moved back to the secondary?

2. Has Olson been participating in the 7-on-7's? Although this format is somewhat limited, does it appear Craft has improved his grasp of the playbook and closed the gap on Olson?

3. Thanks for the updates on Bell. How is Raymond Carter looking and will he be ready for fall practice?

4. Do the Angels need to pick up another bat or can they take Boston in the AL playoffs with their current roster?

How much will Christian Ramirez really be missed? Couldn't a freshman like Milton Knox come in and have similar if not more profound impact? Also, is Ryen Carew's football career done?

Any update on the academic progress of the JC lineman recruit Donovan Edwards?

Does Ramirez being ineligible take the redshirt tag off of Milton Knox and Jonathan Franklin? With Ramirez being really involved in KR I'm assuming this gives Franklin a great shot to ear that position in fall camp.

Is QB Jacob Crook still on the team??

What is howlands take on one and done players? are they worth recruiting?

Is Raymond Carter going to wear a knee brace or will he be able to shed it by the time the season rolls around.

Will the basketball jerseys still have the gold "C" on them?? Or was it just for the 100th NC UCLA won?

Is Johnathan Franklin going to redshirt? and what position is he playing during 7's?

With the report that Ekbatani was practicing at OT rather than OG in the 7 on 7 drills, how different are the physical requirements of the two positions? What do coaches look for to make you an OT over an OG (i.e. speed, height, weight, technique, etc.) I've noticed that OG tend to be heavier, while OT tend to be taller. If so, doesn't Ekbatani at the listed 6-4 and 290 lbs seem like a more natural OT or do you think OG is a better fit for him?

With Luc leaving school early, I'm concerned about depth at the 3 position. Josh will be a senior and Drago will be a junior. None of the incoming freshmen are small forwards. Do you know if we're pursuing anyone other than Tyler Honeycutt from the '09 class? If he chooses another school, who's our second choice? It appears that Lance Stephenson is out of the question. Thanks.

What are your thoughts on UCLA playing UT?

I would imagine that beating a team like UT this early in the season would do great things for a team, but as much as I hate to admit this, it will very difficult for us to match up with UT for 60 minutes.

Is UCLA recruiting WR Jemari Roberts? The athlete is from Long Beach,Ca he's highly ranked WR coming from a school not known for football and a 4.0 GPA and SAT:1840. You think a recruit this high caliber would get a UCLA offer instantly.
If you're wondering I got my info from a Bruin recruiting site the it ends in blitz.

Obviously, the hiring of Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow were big stories but it seems like there have been more stories in the national media regarding UCLA Football lately. Have you heard that this a conscious effort on the part of the UCLA athletic department, a directive from Coach RN to get the UCLA brand in the spotlight, the effect of the internet's access to virtually every media outlet, or is it just mere coincidence?

Dearest Brian,
Here's my question in hai ku form:
Big Gavin Ketchum
Steroids at UCLA??
New trainer Mike Linn??

With the upcoming renovation to Pauley, do you think the Athletic Dept. would consider an outdoor game at the Rose Bowl against a formidable opponent (Duke, Carolina...). Maybe at the tennis center on a smaller scale?

Brian, this has nothing to do with Bruin Ball, but I was wondering if some time you could ask Norm Chow about his time with Vince Young and what he feels Vince's true potential in the Pro's can be. Thanks, and I understand since this is a bruin blog you may not want to. It's great to have you back. Jill and the others always do a great job while you are gone.

Did (RB) Daniel Jenkins from Moreno Valley , Rancho Verde HS ever receive a Bruin offer ? He was outstanding at both UCLA camps .

there's now some kind of chainlink fence/gate up between the athletic training center and Pauly, at least on the north side. Is there one on the south side?
And most importantly what's the reason for this and how often will it be closed to the general campus?

if it will be closed frequently, then I think it's wrong for the athletic department to claim even more space on smallest UC campus, when they already have acosta and spaulding and the soccer fields exclusively, plus highest priority to Pauley, Drake, and the tennis center.

i want to work for your newspaper. i can blog about ucla's baseball team, a subject which seems not to garner much attention and might serve a group of us fans who still think about the diamond.

Brian, what are you hearing about the Vegas HS basketball tournaments that are going on now--any new Bruin prospects?

Brian, can you comment on or ask UCLA how many tickets they have alloted to usc for the game at the Rose Bowl this year? I am really tired of UCLA giving usc like 4 times more tickets than they give us in return at the Coliseum. Thanks.

What are your thoughts on J'mison Morgan, have you seen him play. His scoring and rebounding #'s were just very good for a national highschool player. Is he the real deal?

A few questions.... First, has there been any romors/update regarding the fund raising for Pauley Pavilion? Has a date for the start of construction been set or are they stil in the design phase?

Last, how to you come to be a sports writer at The Daily News and how do you like it?

With all the talk about the freshman performing well in the 7-0n-7's I haven't heard much about E.J. Woods. Any updates?

D'rue Holiday looks like the real deal. Have you seen him play against D1 college players? And what do you think about him?

What are your thoughts on the news that came out of Rutgers re:Greg Schiano getting paid excess money via the school's sports marketing firm and the school not revealing it until now? Obviously this is prevalent among college coaches but for the school not to upfront about it seems sketchy to me.

Do you have more/updated info about RN’s offer to Cowan to stay on with the team as some type of an asst?

Who on the football team do you think has NFL potential??
thanks

With the throwing sessions going on right now, what do you feel is diffrent with the team and does the offense look better than last year?

1) So was Lockett academically ineligle OR suspended due to team rules violation?

2)With the Elite 11 day 1 completed Tom Savage was given rave reviews and Rivals was quoted as saying: "Throws a beautiful deep ball and has excellent May become one the better quarterbacks ever to play at Rutgers. His body is already physically ready to compete in Division I college football." Are you geeked about him? Don't be coy as i know you are such a homer you even attend the ladies games!

Brian, last week you ducked the Song Girl (Rutgers V UCLA) question. Come on, can you really compare Jersey Girls to California Girls? Your man card is at stake!

Hi Brian,

I was wondering in general terms how often the team meets with the coaching staff or their individual position coaches during the summer and how much "coaching" goes on off the field since the coaches can't get on the field with the players.

Are there regular film sessions, chalk talks, etc. and are the players then given quizzes about their assignments or playbook.

Can you provide any details?

I have a vague recollection of reading here BH's reason for scheduling a few less-than-powerhouse teams at home for non-conference matchups, but did not find it in the archives here. What is Howland’s take on the subject?

You mentioned that Prince, Forcier and Crissman are expected to compete for the third string quarterback spot. Does this mean that Rashaan is no longer even in the mix at quarterback? Has he been participating in the 7 on 7 drills?

Cade McMown started as a true freshman at quarterback. Do you see any prospect that Prince might actually beat out Olson and Craft for the starting spot, or that the coaching staff may turn to Prince some time during the season if Olson and Craft struggle?

Did UCLA ever have interest in Lance Stephenson? If yes, to what extent? You said it does not look likley that UCLA would land him, is that because he had no interest in UCLA or UCLA had no interest in him?

DeWayne Walker recently said during a radio interview he had his eye on 5 incoming defensive players who he thinks can play right away and contribute in a big way. Is it safe to assume those five are Rahim Moore, Aaron Hester, Datone Jones, Anthony Dye, and EJ Woods?

Do the socks fit?

Any update on which way Michael Phillip is leaning? Who are the major players for his services?

What are the chances Osaar Rasshan switches to WR?

Can you give any insight on what really went down with the Uona Kaveinga recruitment? I've heard the coaches didn't want him back and weren't willing to accept him after he promptly switched to BYU and eventually SC? Did Kaveinga want to come back on board with the bruins? Just want to hear from someone who know exactly what went down there because there had to have been more going.

When you say Rahim Moore will get time at Safety can you explain that in more specific terms (how much play time do you expect). The last couple years Keyes and Horton never and i mean never got taken out and the only way the backups played were if there was an injury? I'm assuming with your statements that the coaches are going to handle subsituting differently this year...

Is Derrick Coleman playing FB or RB this season? I remember from last weeks Q&A you listed him as one of the true freshmen you least expect to redshirt. I'm assuming then that he will be at FB because he's got Bell, Carter, Dean, Moline, and possibly Franklin and Knox ahead of him at RB.

Is there any chance of Rahim Moore playing corner this year or is he all set at Safety? It seems Safety would be best that way he and Hester could both be on the field and they're probably two of the best athletes on the team. (Yes, as freshmen).

There has been a lot of buzz about Moutra's speed and play-making ability. For a while it seems as if most bruin fans had the assumption that Rosario was the star of the three incoming wideouts. Has Moutra's play been a surprise or was UCLA expecting this out of him? (I realize it's 7-on 7's but I think it still comes as a surprise Moutra is the one who has been standing out the most).

Where do you see Moutra fitting in in terms of the depth chart at WR this year? What does your depth chart look like for the WR's including the incoming freshmen?

I know you've reported several times that Raymond Carter is on track to be ready for fall camp? Does that mean he's 100% or is he still experiencing some pain in his knee but to the point where he can still play on it?

Now that Rosario is playing in the 7 on 7's who have you been more impressed with: Rosario or Moutra?

Are Damien Holmes and Datone Jones playing on the same side at DE or opposite?

Brian love the blog,

Do you know who are the main competitors for Snaer and Honeycutt? I think we need them the most, in particular Honeycutt.

Do you think that the Stepheson family wants Alex at UCLA and Alex just wants to go to $C? I also think that Stephenson and Stovers decisions will impact one another. What do you say?

If it looks like we will not get Stover or Stepheson is there a snowballs chance in **** that BH would offer Sidney?

What exactly went wrong with Ramirez academically, can you say?

Do you see Neuheisel leaving UCLA for an NFL job if things go well for him at the college level? How long do you think Chow will stick around? How about Walker?

Have you asked Coach Neuheisel what type of reception he anticipates upon his return to Husky Stadium this November? Will he be able to take the team on a boat ride across Lake Washington?

I have read a lot of negative commentary about the basketball development of UCLA recruits Reeves Nelson, Brandan Lane, and Kendall Williams. Ben Howland has proved to be one of the better talent evaluaters within the nation so are you getting any indication from UCLA or your inside sources that they are unhappy with the basketball skill development of these young recruits?

Does the exit of Aaron Meyer free up the schoarship for Prince with or without the arrival of Donovan Edwards?

Do you feel that Rick Neuheisel needs to establish himself within the eyes of local recruits. We do have a star coaching staff, but, at least in the eyes of recruits, Rick Neu is the least star of them as they are aware of Chow and Walker's success here in LA.

Do the football players take classes both sessions of summer or just the first? I can imagine that taking a course and accomdating all the football traning camp needs could be challeging.

Why doesn't UCLA practice with an o-line and d-line in the voltunary workouts. I saw pictures of other schools passing workouts and i noticed that there were O-linemen and D-linemen actively participating

Do o-linemen and d-linemen show up to the 7 on 7's or is it skill positions only.

You mentioned that you suspect player personel activity this summer as the new coaching staff really settles in. With Aaron Meyer already annoucning his decision, do you anticapte more movement in player personel?

Charles Siddoway, the big OL from Oregon, any chance UCLA lands his services?

Brian-

The West Coast Offense was an undeniable failure at UCLA for most of the last 5 years. Have you asked the offensive players about their feelings on the WCO? Will Chow's system make the players better overnight?

Brian, I really aspire to one day land a job such as yours, or possibly actually cover the bruins on tv or radio. it's a long ways off from now i'm sure, but that is my goal, jsut a soon-to-be sophmore from the midwest. i check the site all the time, as well as many other Bruin sites. The question this time is: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received relating to your current job, or past jobs?

I was wondering if you could include a weekly feature where you interview a football or basketball player and we learn fun facts about them?

Ex: Favorite movie? Favorite athlete? What's in your iPod? Who are you voting for? Favorite newspaper columnist?

Just read your piece on Ben Olson and I think it's one of the best articles you've written. I really enjoyed it. I just wanted to ask, how did you enjoy hanging out with Ben? From your piece it seems like he's a really down to Earth kind of person.

What is the relationship between the Pump 'n Run Elite team / the people running it and the UCLA basketball program? Have of that AAU team seems to be comprised of UCLA recruits each year.

Do you think this incoming freshmen class can have an impact on this football program, same way as UCLA 2004 freshmen class had an impact on the basketball program?

UCLA led the nation last year in pass interference penalties on its DBs, specifically its CBs. What is your prediction for the # that UCLA will get flagged for this year?

Is DeWayne Walker doing anything in practice differently to address this glaring problem? (I need some good news, BDizzle...hook me up!)

If Tim Tebow is what a five star recruit should be, how many stars would you give Ben Olson in retrospect???

Can you compare for us nacho eaters Olson and Tebow on the following factors:

quickness of foot

throwing accuracy

quickness of release

quickness of decision making (getting rid of the ball on time to an open receiver)

mental and physical toughness

football IQ

Were Meyer and Turner "encouraged" to quit the team in order to free some scholarships, or were their decisions totally independent of any imput from the coaching staff?

Are you hearing whether any other scholarship players may quit the team prior to the start of the season since there are others besides Turner and Meyer with no realistic prospect of ever climbing high enough on the depth chart to get a chance to play?

Who decides which players get the most playing time in the 7 on 7 drills and the order in which they participate?

Bruce Davis always seemed to be a fertile quote machine for the UCLA beat writers. With Davis gone, who do you see as a "go to guy" on this year"s team when you want an interesting, provocative or funny quote?

Was Coach Howland pursuing UNC transfer Alex Stepheson very hard? Or did he relax his recruitment which allowed USC to land him?

Mike Linn was a DISASTER in his first go-round as the S&C coach at UCLA.

1999 was before your time, Brian, but a quick recap:

UCLA went 4-7 on the year, which was only ONE year after going to a Rose Bowl and being in the hunt for a NC.

UCLA was weak, slow, fat, and in horrible condition. (The players, too, not just the head coach.)

The Bruins led the nation in cramps. Midol bottles were handed out at pre-game meals.

So, what has Mr. Linn learned in the last 10 years?

What has he told you are the differences between his program for the players then and his program for the players now???

Nick Ektabani was moved over to the RT position from his OG position. If he does not get the RT position, will he shift back over to starting guard? If he does get the RT position, who then takes his position at guard?

Any ideas on why it was decisded that UCLA and USC would not wear home jerseys?

from what youve seen so far, does coach chow match certain expectations of him being a "genius" and "great" at being the OC, in your eyes? if yes or no, how so? what have u seen? as a fan, this is always on my mind, im hoping for the best =)

You mentioned that you had to warm up Ben Olson the other morning when his receiver was a little late in arriving. Please tell us that you didn't cry like a little (SC) girl when he threw it too hard. :-)

If Aaron Meyer has enough credits to graduate and is leaving the program, why would he transfer/enroll at a school like Nichols St? Is playing time the issue?

I'm assuming you've seen Harkey play at the 7 on 7's. What stands out about him? He came in under the radar especially with the class UCLA is brining in, and then the players are already talking about him being the future at that position. Does he have potential or was that just talk? Do you see him only playing in passing situations this year?

Has Ben Howland and the program given any thought to a fantasy basketball camp for the general public? I bet there are peeps that would throw down more than a few Cs to get their butt chewed out for not doubling quick enough in the post OR not setting a hard enough hedge up top. Plus, this could be done for Pauley renovation. Gifts could include a UCLA jersey signed by all the players who have had their numbers retired, a basketball signed by the coaching staff. All of 10K. What do you think?

Is preferred walkon Carlo Valdez out of Mater Dei at the 7/7s? Are anyone else not on scholie participating and standing out? I know Carlo is pretty fast and was getting a look by WSU.

Elijah Johnson: seems to like UCLA, and you mentioned him before. Going to qualify? Does UCLA want him if he does?

Trivia:

Who is UCLA's career leader in field goal percentage?

How well do you think that Neuheisel is adjusting to the new recruiting landscape (then versus now)?