Answers, Part V

Do you think there will be any surprise changes in the two-deep after fall camp?
Would Rahim Moore winning a starting spot be a surprise? I don't think so. So, I guess it depends on your definition of a surprise, but by definition, I don't see any.

How much input/control does Coach Neuheisel have on the offense? How well do he and Coach Chow interact?
They interact well and get along fantastically. Neuheisel offers plenty of input, as do the other offensive coaches, and Chow is smart enough to take it all in before making decisions.

Since Akeem Ayers is much faster and more athletic than John Hale, what is the primary reason why Hale remains ahead of Ayers on the depth chart? Is Ayers having trouble picking up the defensive schemes?
Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said before the first practice it was a close call, but he chose Hale based on experience. However, that position could be a battle all season.

Does UCLA test football players and other athletes for steroids and other performance enhancement drugs? If so, what would happen if someone tests positive?
Yes, players are tested. Punishment, as far as being suspended for games, does not kick in until multiple offenses, I am told.

without giving away confidential info, in general, what is an offense's philosophy when an offensive line is considered weak or a "liability?"
Three-step drops, misdirection plays and play-action.

Hope u don't bore of my "about your job..." questions. What was your major and minor in college, and where did you go after you graduated? If you could have done something differently in school, what would it have been?
I was a journalism major and had a minor in English. I worked in Trenton, N.J., after I graduated, and then New Haven, Conn., before moving to Los Angeles. And I am doing what I wanted to do since I wrote for my high school newspaper.

youve reported earlier about the tight bond between the recruits and their families of this season, throwing bbq's and whatnot. that was very insightful, thanks, i hope to hear more of this kind of inside slant on things, its very unique and refreshing, as opposed to just dry reporting that others do. have u seen this bond being maintained within this group, or have they just sorta blended into the rest of the team?
They continue to share that bond, and they know each other very well already. It makes for better team chemistry because there isn't that awkward get-to-know-you phase like with most freshman classes. And a key to being able to do that is so many of the recruits were from nearby, so they could get together easily.

Coach Howland is apparently looking to add a guard for the 09 class as evidenced by offers to several top PG's and SG's. Who in your opinion does UCLA have the best chance of landing?
I will go with Anthony Marshall out of Majove High in North Las Vegas, that is, if UCLA decides to offer him.

Ultimately, how many players do you think UCLA will bring in for the 09 class?
I think UCLA will bring in four players, although I could see that number changing by one in either direction.

How are the vets taking to the freshmen? Do the vets keep to themselves or do you seem camaraderie? Or is it "just football?"
I've been impressed with how much the vets are talking to the freshmen, even dating back to the summer 7-on-7 sessions. Bret Lockett is doing a great job with the freshmen safeties, and Ben Olson is spending a lot of time with Kevin Prince. There are others, but that is what stood out to me.