Answers, Part VIII

Are you getting a weird vibe from the upperclassmen considering it's so obvious that most of the freshmen are on another talent level? Or are they relieved to be getting some much needed help?
They are relieved to have more talent in the program. The seniors understand how talented these kids are, and know a serious upgrade in talent was/is needed for UCLA to excel.

Who do you see getting the majority of the reps at WR on Sept. 1? Do the coaches plan on rotating al ot now with the current freshmen coming in or will it be more like the last couple years where 2-3 guys get the majority of the reps?
It is far, far, far too early to tell who will get the most reps come Tennessee, although I expect Marcus Everett to be in the mix. Much of it will depend on the development of the younger players. I mean, the freshmen still haven't practiced in full pads.

Have the coaches decided how they are going to split the carries in the backfield this year with so many talented guys to pick from? How has Knox been doing so far in fall camp?
The coaches, I'm sure, have an idea of how the carries will be split, but they need to see what happens in practice. Again, the team isn't even in full pads yet. Can Aundre Dean catch the ball? How is Derrick Coleman's blocking? How will Raymond Carter's and Kahlil Bell's knees hold up to the pounding of camp. Too many questions to start dissecting carries already.
As for Knox, he has looked good, but I think it will be a long climb to playing time for him.

I've been hearing from people who have been attending fall camp so far that Norris is getting outperformed by Hester, and frankly that they don't even compare on a talent level. Pretty much the only card they're playing is Norris has experience but will it be enough to hold off Hester? Based on what i hear Hester is bigger and by far the better athlete.
I talked to defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker about the Hester and Norris battle, and he said Norris was holding his own and Hester, while talented, was making some freshman mistakes. Walker also said Norris remained in front, and Walker is not one to pull punches. And as far as Hester being bigger (it's in the media guide) and a better athletes, that is not a surprise. That was known 12 months ago.

Have you asked Coach Chow how much his offensive playcalling has changed if at all since his SC days?
It hasn't. He still tries to take advantage of his personnel and create mismatches.

Who are the walk on o-linemen in Camp?
Brett Downey from Brett Harte High of Angel's Camp and Austin Hill of Los Alamitos.

Would you consider doing a post every so often on what former UCLA basketball and football players who are not in the NBA or NFL are up to?
If I hear interesting information, I will post it.

Do you know or can you find out how prices for UCLA football and Basketball tickets compare to other big schools
From my understanding, the ticket prices are comparable, especially since you are talking about the cost of living in Los Angeles compared to other places.

Now that Eric Scott is gone, will UCLA have the same success recruiting the inner city players as when Scott was there?
That remains to be seen. From what I'm hearing, DeWayne Walker is doing a nice job in that avenue, but help from the staff will be vital.

Do you think it's better for UCLA to focus on getting the best players in California/SoCal each year, or to try for the big-name national recruits? Is a SoCal player always preferable to a national player, all other things (such as talent) being equal? (Applies to both basketball and football.)
I think UCLA should focus on SoCal, and if an elite player from outside of the area shows a genuine interest in going to the school (like Kevin Love or Aundre Dean), then UCLA should go hard after that player. But I think most of the energy should be put into SoCal.