Answers, Part XVI

Here is the 16th set:

Has the Neuheisal staff continued with Dorrel’s efforts to recruit at inner-city high schools in LA?
Yes, but without having Eric Scott as a conduit, it is not an easy proposition.

Is the effect of the academic standards overstated? Can you think of any marquee players who wanted to go to UCLA but were denied by grades? To your knowledge, would guys like Sanchez, Maluluga, and Cushing have qualified academically for UCLA?
It’s not overstated, but it is a big factor. At the end of the day, there are still enough players out there for UCLA to be successful. However, it means the coaching staff cannot miss on as many recruits as others because their recruiting pool is much smaller.

Do you have any inside information on why Mbah Moute was so intent on leaving UCLA even though he knew he wasn’t going to be a 1st round pick?
Yeah, he wanted to play in the NBA and was tired of playing college basketball.

Do you actually wait until Friday to answer these questions, and then spend all day writing the answers, or do you start reading the questions and writing the answers earlier (i.e., Wednesday afternoon) and then wait until Friday to start posting them?
I usually start answering them Thursday night and part of Friday. Unfortunately, today I did not start them until late, and won’t finish with my answers until 3 p.m. or so.

which would guess is more likely: damian holmes moving to tackle, or keenan graham moving to linebacker? or do you suspect that holmes, graham and datone jones will all remain defensive ends?
The most likely is Holmes moving to tackle. I always thought his body type was more suited to playing defensive tackle. I think Keenan Graham moving to linebacker is secondary thought, if he cannot gain the necessary weight to play defensive end.

in answers part XII last week, you said of ucla’s admissions policies: “it could get more difficult to get kids in.” could you clarify that — i.e., what makes you think it would get MORE difficult?
People I trust associated with the school told me they were hearing it would get more difficult.

A recent conversation on the radio concluded that UCLA is a good job for head coaches but a bad job for assistants because the cost of living and commute hassles. Have you observed this to be true?
For the most part it is true, but it’s not as if this is a new idea. Bob Toledo talked about it when he was head coach of the football program. But I am not sure it is a good job for the football head coach.

From your observations how well do coach Neuheisal and coach Walker get along?
Very well. There is mutual respect, and Neuheisel allows Walker to work with the defense with very little interference.