Answers (cont.), Part XX

Any idea how many guards Howland would like to sign in the 2010 class?
Not at this point. I know there are a few, but it depends on the development of the kids in the program now.

Very early to predict, I know, but from what you see right now, how far do we go this year in the tourney?
I think UCLA gets to the semifinals of the Pac-10 tournament. As for the NCAAs, since I'm in a good mood, I'll indulge and say UCLA gets to the Sweet 16.

Any idea when we'll know whether the NCAA will sanction USC over the Bush scandal? Please don't suggest I ask Wolf - in my view, he's an SC grad who takes bias and homerism to unprecedented heights.
I have no idea because I don't pay any attention to that stuff. He does a weekly Q&A. Does he refuse to answer questions about it? If not, ask him.

Does the coaching staff see Ryan Taylor as a high level prospect who should significantly upgrade the talent level on the offensive line? Or is he seen as another body who can hopefully develop into a servicable option until more talented players come into the program?
My understanding is UCLA thinks he can come in and play right away. And since he has only two years to play two years, there isn't much time for development. If he is not ready to play immediately, I don't know why they would have gotten him.

Looks like the recruiting momementum is really picking up--is this your sense, too? Also, do you think UCLA is at an advantage for the moment because it's not preparing for a bowl game?
Recruiting is going well right now, but it still needs to get better to compete against USC. Getting Morrell Presley is nice, but nearly every kid USC gets is of a Presley-type caliber. And funny you mention that about the bowl game because I am doing a story tying that into recruiting for the paper next week.

Do you think Coach Rick has a little (or a lot?) more moxie in taking on Carrol in recruiting and other battles?
I don't think it is moxie. I think it is competition, and Neuheisel, as well as some key assistants, like to compete. That wasn't always the case the last few years. Neuheisel is doing his job, nothing more.

Thought experiment: You're an AD hiring a football coach, and the only two choices available are the nation's best recruiter or the nation's best Xs and Os guy...whom do you hire?
Give me the recruiter because, to paraphrase Neuheisel, it doesn't matter about the x's and o's unless you've got the Billys and the Joes. Plus, a great recruiter can hire a good x's and o's staff.

Rick Pulled In Presley
Wants To Start As a Freshman
Paulsen hits the bench?
Great get by coach Rick
But Presley is still a frosh
So he waits in wings

Do beat writers from other schools come up to you at various games and ask for tips on maintaining a successful sports blog? If so, what do you say to them?
No, not at all. I think most writers don't want to put forth the effort needed to maintain a blog in this manner and do the other stuff to work the beat.