Answers, Part VII

Here is the seventh set:

What is the latest on the BB recruiting front in general for the 2009 class. What is going on with visits from X Henry, N Jonhson? Why is Snaer now back in play? Will we offer Anthony Marshall? Will any of these guys including Stover or Honeycutt make a decision this month?
Henry and Johnson are long shots. I don’t know how much back in play Snaer is. It was the staff’s first chance to meet with him after the summer AAU stuff ended, and it’s an easy trip to campus for him. I’m not sure about Marshall, but I know the staff is looking at him. I could Honeycutt making a decision in the next week, or in two months. I think Stover will take his time in deciding.

Could you give a rough estimate on the number of spectators who have turned out for the first few practices and could you compare it to last two years?
I feel like the numbers are comparable to the last few years. The first day is attended by 100 or so folks, it knocked down to about 30 on Wednesday and was about 60 to 70 on Thursday.

How hot is it on the field around 4pm?
Got me. I stay in the shade. … I don’t know the temperature, but I could feel my shins burning when I’m standing out there watching it.

You stated that coaches can start calling recruits on Sept. 1st which is the day UCLA plays Tenn. Is a big turnout of recruits expected?
I don’t know if a big day is expected since it is Labor Day, but coach Rick Neuheisel will be telling those kids to turn on the television and watch the game.

I was at the tennis tournament on wednesday morning and noticed some football players on the field a little before noon, they didnt look to be apart of the “squad”… who were they?
I don’t know. I wasn’t there. But the players do work out on their own and go through walk-through drills sometimes during the day.

When is your newborn going to commit to UCLA?
If he is a basketball player, I would say no later than first grade. I figure in a few years, that is when kids will be getting offered. If he’s a football player, right after Rutgers drops football.

EJ Woods was allegedly taking a summer school class to make up a D+ grade, which is why he was absent at some of the 7-on-7’s. How much does this affect his chance to play this year, and do you forsee him battling academic issues throughout his career?
I don’t like discussing grades publicly unless a kid says it is ok, and when I spoke to Woods about his situation he asked me not to get into it, so I won’t. But his situation does not impact his ability to play this season, and how the heck could I project how he will do in the classroom in the next four to five years?

Do you see Datone Jones overtaking Bosworth or Blake during camp or at least stealing some snaps in time for UT?
It won’t be stealing some snaps since UCLA will not be able to play two defensive ends the whole game. My understanding is Jones will be the primary backup at both spots, so he will get plenty of playing time.

Does Chows simplicity on offense allow for the freshmen to have a greater impact than in previous seasons? Since some of the incoming RB’s and WR’s are elite talents that UCLA hasn’t seen in a while it seems to make for a great situation.
I think it does, but more so than that it is Chow’s and Neuheisel’s beliefs that freshmen can play immediately that will be a greater impact to freshmen playing this season.

How did Rahim Moore jump Glenn Love so fast? Love was receiving rave reviews in spring ball for his size, speed, and athleticsm. Could we possibly see a Moore/Love combination against UT instead of Moore/Ware?
Because Moore is that talented, mentally and physically, and Love has a tendency to drift in and out of plays. I think the combo you will see start against Tennessee is Ware and Moore, but because it is the first game of the season and conditioning will be a factor, I think Moore and Love will be on the field at the same time as well.