Answers, Part 9

What's one player out of those that redshirted who you think could have made a significant contribution to the team this year?
Running back Milton Knox, but I don't think it would have made a huge impact because this team is not good enough for one player to make a huge difference. In other words, UCLA is much further away from being good than just one player.

Has the staff given any thought to shifting Chris Forcier to another position like wide receiver? I ask because it's been noted that he's a remarkable athlete but his approach to the QB position is lacking.
Yes, the staff has, but I don't know if they talked to Forcier about it. Plus, the player has to agree to the move. The coaching staff asked Osaar Rasshan to move to safety last offseason, but he declined so he could remain at quarterback.

How can I become a recruiter for UCLA football? I'd be really good at it...
Get on the staff, or at least be employed by the school. Otherwise, it is an NCAA violation.

To your knowledge, have Neuheisel & Dorrell spoken since Neuheisel got the job? If so, any idea of what they talked about or whether Dorrell feels any responsibility for leaving his alma mater's cupboard so bare?
I talked to Neuheisel about it about a month ago, and he said they had not talked, but traded voice mails. Neuheisel and Dorrell worked together, and they get along, so Neuheisel is not going to blast Dorrell. And my understanding was the conversation had more to do with the structure of UCLA, rather than the football players.

how is chinny doing? any update on his health or his possible playing future? thanks.
He is feeling better and has been out at practice. The medication has the Chrons Disease under control, but I think it is too early to tell if he will play next season.

I have a little extra cash in my pocket. Should I put it on Rutgers giving 10 1/2 or UCLA getting 32 1/2?
You should send it me so it doesn't go to waste. I would have said this last night, even before my beloved Scarlet Knights absolutely pasted Louisville, that Rutgers was going to win. Louisville has a history of quitting the last few seasons, and Rutgers offense is clicking. Plus, getting 32 1/2 half and UCLA is no gimme because who knows how many points UCLA's offense will allow.

Halley's Comet returns 28 July 2061 - will there be a college football playoff by then?
I don't think so, but I look forward to seeing the comet. I will 92 when that happens, and Rutgers will have won at least 12 national titles in football, been to one NCAA tournament in hoops and UCLA will be complaining about the "dirty'' years of the Pete Carroll era.

Would the admissions dept. be more flexible with standards for incoming athletes if there was a bigger outcry from major athletic and/or academic donors to change the policy?
No. I think what it will take is a few more 4-8 seasons where the on-field product is embarrassing, and fans stop coming. But I don't think that will happen because UCLA still has a very good staff and natural advantages that make them a seven- or eight-win team most years.

It seems like our guards play very tight on the ball defense which allows the opposing guards to dribble past them. Do you agree? Does Howland want them to play this tight?
He wants them tight within shooting range, but not extended too far outside the 3-point line. But part of the problem right now is UCLA is not playing good, crisp team defense in many aspects.