Answers, Part XVII

How are the Dorrell era holdovers adapting to RN?
So far they like him and the staff. What's not to like, though? UCLA upset Tennessee, it is a tremendous staff and players are having fun while also learning how to compete on a daily basis.

How does Darius Savage fare 1 on 1 vs. B. Price in practice?
Like most others. Price usually wins those battles.

Don't you think the injuries to veterans like Bell, Olson, Cowan, Paulsen, Ketchum, and Everett are ironically going to pay huge dividends for UCLA in the coming years?
If you mean from the standpoint of the experience for the younger players because of those injuries, then yes, without question.

Is the light coming on for Darius Savage? Do you think it might still come on this year for Mike Harris? And how is Brandon Bennett doing?
Offensive line coach Bob Palcic said it is starting to click for Savage. Harris should come on as the year progresses because he missed so much time with his sprained ankle. As for Bennett, let's just say he needs to improve a lot still.

Do you think the odds of Sheller coming back next year are better than 50/50?
I would say 75 percent, as long as there are no complications from the rehab.

What is the status on Maiava's injury? Are the coaches high on him?
He still has a knee injury. In fact, I didn't see him at practice all week, not even with the walking wounded injury brigade, so I shall check and see if he is still around, or whether he went home (or someone else) until school starts.
And the coaches love him because he is tough, and can move along the line of scrimmage.

If Moore wins the starting FS job, will Ware be the nickel back or will it be Viney? Are the coaches pleased with Viney at this point?
There is concern about Viney's size. I believe Moore won the job, although UCLA doesn't want to say it publicly. Also, I cannot get into the nickel coverage stuff because it is a game-planning issue, and defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker asked me not to write about it.

who has the stongest arm on the roster, of the healthy QB's?
Kevin Prince. Not even a question. Crissman and Forcier leave a lot to be desired in the arm strength department, and Norm Chow told me Craft's is average.

How big a boost to the D is the return of Bret Lockett?
We shall find out, but everyone tells me he is the glue that holds the secondary together. They say it will be a big different, especially with his ability to tackle.