Answers, Part XVII

I know it is early, but how is UCLA doing with the 2010 Oaks Christian kids? Nick Montana, Eric Koehler, Cassius Marsh, Malcolm Jones, Zach Stout, and Alani Fua.
They really like Koehler a lot and I think they will recruit him very hard. The other guys are being recruited like most juniors.

Just wanted to say, thanks for doing such a great job covering the Bruins. I am a subscriber to one of the recruiting sites, and I have to say I often get better info from your blog. Also nice to have a non-homer perspective on things.
Thank you for the nice words. They are very much appreciated. I know some folks think I hate UCLA, but I do not. I try to remain objective, and sometimes folks have a hard time dealing with that because is does not conform their opinion.

Does you think UCLA scores any offensive points against USC? Sadly, I just can't see it happening.
I can see if happening. A punt return to the USC 35 and Forbath making a 50-yard field goal. A turnover in USC territory that gives UCLA a short field. You just need more faith, and more creativity.

Does UCLA have any shot of signing OT Taylor Lewan?
Never say never, but ...

As a liverpool fan, whats your reaction to Torres going down for a month? Also, do you ever see soccer becoming a major sport here in the US?
Tough loss. The thing that concerns me most about Liverpool is their living on the edge style. At some point, scoring late (sometimes four minutes into stoppage time) will catch up to them and it won't happen. And Torres is needed to score because I do not trust Dirk Kuyt as the top scorer.
And I don't think it will become major here because I don't think Americans will take the time to learn the intricacies of the game, and learn to appreciate there is more beauty than just scoring goals.

Who do you see UCLA's starting linebackers being next season? Do you see EJ Woods getting any consideration on the weakside?
Akeem Ayers, Reggie Carter and Kyle Bosworth. I think Woods will be a hybrid safety/specialty linebacker.

Odds that Dewayne Walker is not with the Bruins next season?
5 to 1

Is Jrue Holiday a lock to leave school and enter the draft after one season?
Not a lock, but a very good bet. Lock would be 100 percent. I'm putting it closer to 95 percent.

If given the opportunity to cover Rutgers instead of UCLA, would you jump at the chance?
No way. I like being a fan of Rutgers, and would have to change that to being totally objective. I could do it, but I do not want to do it. I love seeing Rutgers do well, and it has become a fun part of my family's life.