Answers, Part VII

Do you think it was an odd move to have Ward go to the O-line, when the team has depth problems at D-tackle and Harwell has been injury prone?
No, I actually thought it could happen because the depth isn't awful at defensive tackle. UCLA has Brian Price, Brigham Harwell, Chase Moline and Jerzy Siewierski at defensive tackle, and if injuries become a problem, Ward knows the system and can flip back quickly.

Why do you think the basketball team has been struggling getting 2s and 3s in the class of 2009?
I think part of the reason is because of the incoming freshmen class, and other schools telling recruits they could sit on the bench for a few years if they go to UCLA.

It seems that the first team offensive line gets overwhelmed when competing against the first team defensive line. Are they at least able to perform effectively when going against the second team defensive line?
It doesn't happen that often, but at least the offense can move the ball sporadically against the second-team defensive line.

Before the start of fall practice, you opined that the defensive backfield was the biggest question mark of the defense. After observing the defense for the past two weeks, is there now more reason for optimism? Has anyone apart from Verner, the lone returning starter, stood out at practice?
I didn't say I wasn't optimistic about the secondary, I just said it was the biggest question. Rahim Moore has been very good in learning the assignments in playing safety and in nickel coverage, Aaron Ware has been solid and Michael Norris has competed well, and has come on lately. I think the secondary could have some problems, but nothing major.

How has Nate Chandler looked at offensive tackle? What are his strengths and weaknesses? Do you think he winds up starting for the opening game?
He has looked good at times, and at other times overmatched because he lacks strength, size and the proper technique. But he's been playing offensive line for three weeks, so it is unfair to expect more. As for starting the opener, I'm going to say he will not.

Last week you said you had much more confidence in Bob Palcic than in Bob Connolly. Why is that? What are the differences in their backgrounds / coaching styles?
I said I have more confidence in Palcic because I watch the offensive line, how he coaches, how he doesn't make excuses, and because I talked to plenty of people about him before he arrived. Palcic was a good coach at Wisconsin, and Connelly was in the process of being run out at Alabama.

is it possible we redshirt both Dye and Hester? In that case what does the secondary look like behind Verner and Norris? There's Viney, and who else?
It is highly possible both red-shirt. Dye is playing safety these days, so he doesn't factor in to the depth at corner part of the question. As for Behind Viney and Norris is Rahim Moore, so what is now five cornerbacks deeps.

i remember when neuheisel was hired, the a.d there, that guerrero dude, made some ridiculous comment about minor recruiting infractions only being minor recruiting infractions if you get caught doing them.
is rick and his staff making good use of this leeway in recruiting? shouldn't they have a lot more five-star type recruits given their license to cheat?
This question makes me chuckle. I will always remember that quote from Guerrero: "I think in every program in America -- and not just talking about football, I'm talking about every sport -- you're going to have transgressions. Secondary violations are things that occur.''
As far as I can tell, Neuheisel and his staff aren't taking advantage of the leeway supplied because I haven't heard of any infractions.