Answers, Part V

There was a running back from reseda high this past year that decided to walk-on to arizona state. any reason why ucla did not go after him? and do you know anything about him?
His name is Giovannie Dixon, but I know very little about him. And with the running backs UCLA has, it really isn't an issue to get a walk-on for that spot.

Last season Karl Dorrell refused to answer one of your questions saying 'That would be Football 101' or something to that effect. Is Coach Nueheisal's version of football 101 much different? Did you get a chance to take a refresher course on Football during the off season so you'd be prepped this time around?
With UCLA's basketball run to another Final Four berth, and with adding to the family, I didn't get a chance to take a refresher course. However, in talking to Nueheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow, they were kind enough to dumb the offense down for me (and other media types) this season so such explanations wouldn't be needed. And, as a side benefit, it appears the offense is much simpler for the players to understand as well.

Was there anything specific (workouts, drills) that new S & C coach Mike Linn implemented to increase team speed much like the reason Randy Horton (now gone) was hired for?
I haven't delved into it very deeply yet, but I do know they are doing a lot more stretching in hopes of avoiding injuries.

Have you heard of any likely football commitments in the next couple of weeks when the current NCAA mandated quiet period ends and UCLA coaches can start calling recruits again?
Well, the head coach cannot start calling until Sept. 1, so that is a ways away. I do know that UCLA is expecting a bundle of recruits to show up for the start of training camp next week.

I sent an email about this earlier, but any info on how Kevin Love is doing on the backup US Olympic squad that I believe was to be scrimaging the Olympic team?
I did not hear anything, nor did I find out how he did. I made a few calls, but am still awaiting a call back.

any reports or information on how the OTHER freshmen are looking? Anderson? Gordon? Has Lee come back on campus and started taking part yet?
Gordon has been slowed by his foot injury, although he is playing sparingly in pickup games. Anderson has is doing ok. I saw him in the men's gym on Tuesday, and it was not one of his better days. Lee is back but was getting his physical this week, so I didn't see him yet. He is enrolled for the second summer session, though.

on the women's team, anything to report? We have a new HC, very charismatic from a top-notch bb program - wonder if she's making her presence felt as yet, any word on how the players are adjusting to her?
I have not checked in with the women's team, but I will do so. I will post something next week about it.

Does the UCLA staff feel jilted or upset with the Donavon Edwards situation; also will this situation change R.N's recruiting philosophy?
The staff cannot talk about it since Edwards remains a recruitable athlete, but my sources tell me they are indifferent to it because they wanted him for depth, more than anything else. With him not being on campus in the summer, he was going to be a long shot to win the starting right tackle spot. I don't think this will change Neuheisel' long-term recruiting philosophy since UCLA doesn't take many junior college transfers.

What transpired in the recruitment of Hemani Stevens?
In a nutshell, UCLA pressured him to commit early, and he did. Then, he backed off quickly and decided he liked Oregon. Then, UCLA made a strong push at the end behind the new coaching staff and he re-considered, but elected to go to Oregon.

I just wanted to say thanks for all the great work you do on this blog! I take for granted what you do, and when you were away, I realized how much I need this blog.
Gracias. The interaction has helped me understand better what the readers want.