Q&A time

Brian, about recruiting, do you think defensive players who committed to UCLA or were leaning that way might defect now that Walker has left the nest? Wasn't he the reason UCLA was able to attract top-level recruits on defense thanks both to his success at UCLA and elsewhere (USC, NFL)? Thanks for your Q&A and Happy New Year!

Brian, hope you had a good vacation! Rutgers was pickin' the oppostion like K-Craft was at QB for NCST.

Oh well, to the questions:

1. Who will be UCLA's next DC? (OK, I could not resist. You don't have to answer that one!)

2. Will Shipp get his outside jumper back? He scored 16 against LA Tech, but most on dribble penetration, transition, or mid range pull ups>

3. Do you agree that Neu has ruled out Norton? (Hopefully).

4. Do you think Pete's nice compliment to DW was sincere? Or a back-handed wrap on the rest of the UCLA program?

Do you see any recruits announcing a commitment to UCLA during the Army or UnderArmour All-American games?

Why do you like Chick-Fil-A so much? I used to live about 2 miles from one in Orange but never went. I now live in Utah and we don't have any here. Did I miss out some sort of greatness?

If you had to choose a starting tailback for 2009 based on what you've seen in games and practice, who would it be?

Do you believe Norton's accusations?

How was the relationship between coach RN and DW???

Outside of Cedric Bozeman, James Keefe has to be the most confusing player I have ever seen at UCLA. He had a plethora of moves in high school, yet never attempts anything but threes in college. Is his play as confounding to you and Howland as it is me?

How many schalorships does UCLA have left to give out for the 2009 football recruiting class???

Think this has been covered before but, what is the deal with that guy at Pauley who screams when the other team shoots free throws? He sounds like Richard Simmons.

If Matt Barkley of Mater Dei decommitted from USC and wanted to go to UCLA, do you think UCLA would take him and drop Brehaut, take them both, or decline his interest?

Over/Under of 90 degree angles on Ken Norton's head?

Happy New Year. What is your best information about Chuck Bullough and/or Todd Howard joining DeWayne Walker in Las Cruces. Also, if either or both don't, what have you heard about either or both remaining on the staff for 2009?

In football, do you think (off/def) coordinators have a big impact on recruiting, or is it more about the head coach and school?

Can you use a new word to describe high school kids who are verbally "committed" to a university? Maybe they have "pledged" or "intend" to go to a particular school, but it cheapens the word "commitment" when it's broken so freely.

1) I'm not asking who will be our next DC, but who would YOU go after for our next DC?

2) Would you promote Chuck Bullough to DC?

3) How much would we have to pay Pete Carroll to come be our DC?

4) Did they serve pizza at the Papa Johns Bowl? Dr. Pepper?

Other than Morrell Presley and Ryan Taylor, I lost track of which other recruits were scheduled to enroll in winter or spring quarters so that they would be there for spring ball. Richard Brehaut? Others?

Brian, is UCLA still recruiting OT prospect Chris Hubbard? Also is the coaching staff feeling good about landing Nik Abele?

Bullough solid coach
Backers play very well
Can he be DC?

Most impressive bball freshman outside of Jrue Holiday?

How do you see the match between the Liverpool Reds and Real Madrid?

Did Ken Norton Jr.'s comments all but seal any interest UCLA may have had in him as a DC candidate?

what are you hearing about academic limitations that CRN is facing? There have been rumors he is getting some slack from Murphy Hall? Does this seem to be the case from your view?

Brian, are you hearing anything new about either Flournoy or Randall Carroll? Are the odds of them coming improving?

Brian is Richard Brehaut enrolling in time for winter quarter or spring quarter?

Do you think Neuheisel will open up the job of punt returns and kick returns, or is it solidified that it is going to TA?

Good career move for Walker to go to NMSU? Seems like an irrelevant job?

is it a guarantee that Norm Chow is coming back next season?

Walker taking his assistants, Howard and Bullough, with him? Will Bobby Hauck get consideration for DC job?

Is Coach Neu sensitive to his time in Baltimore, from an OC standpoint, being classified as a failure? Should Bruin fans worry about his playcalling ability, if he ever chooses to do so?

Do you see Bobo Morgan progressing enough that he will play significant minutes during the Pac-10 season or is this a "learning" year. Thanks for a great year--looking forward to 2009.

Is it true that Pete Carroll questioned Brian Price's want to compete when he(price) declined the limo?

Are there any more "dead" or restricted recruiting periods before signing day (Feb. 4th)? Have you heard of any prospects that might wait to sign after signing day or is it too early to tell?

Are any of our committed guys looking elsewhere now that coach Walker is no longer at UCLA?

You recently said that admissions gave the OK to the majority of recruits who have verbally committed so far. Does RN continue to be more effective than KD in petitioning the committee? Or is it the football staff following the prior admission guidelines? A combination of the two?

Your reactions to Steven Gerrard's arrest? Obviously pretty shocking to anyone who follows soccer.

Any word on DeWayne Walker's salary at NMSU?

Kennan Graham: OLB or DE?

What are your thoughts on this theory: Carroll tells Norton to complain about UCLA recruiting tactics to ruin Norton's chances of being DC at UCLA so USC can keep him as full time recruiter without having to ever promote him.

How soon does Coach Neuheisel plan to get a new DC? How about LB and DL coaches if they follow DeWalker?

As for a New Defensive Coordinator would you go with a proven DC or a NFL guy similar to DeWalker when Dorrell gave him a shot?

We keep hearing about how the structure of the Athletic Department is very staid and non-conducive to change. How about an article detailing how the department works and the main players involved?

Some D1 basketball teams are substituting exhibition games for closed door scrimmages against other high level programs. For example, UNC scrimmaged Vanderbilt earlier this year. Sounds like something Howland would prefer over an exhibition against some overmatched opponent. Any idea if he’s looked into it?

An article by Jill and Scott Wolf alleges that Pressley switched to UCLA because he was told Norton was coming to UCLA. Does this make sense? If Pressley was so tight with Norton, and this was the reason he switched, wouldn't he have verified this info with Norton?

What is the status of Randall Carroll's recruitment? I've read that there is very little chance he will end up honoring his commitment to USC. Also, there were rumors last week that he was going to commit to UCLA, although nothing concrete has become public yet.

Since Randall Carroll was being recruited by D. Walker and K. Norton, any word on how this week's events have affected Carroll's decision?

Will Bob Hauck replace Frank Gansz as special teams coach ?

Will Stan McKay , get a greyshirt offer from UCLA ? I heard he would accept one ?

Will UCLA hire a fulltime (TE) coach ? for next season ?

Will Nick Crissman , be ready to participate in spring ball ?

Brian,

Thank you for the hard work. Happy holidays. Question: If UCLA failed to max out its scholarships this class, would Neuheisel be more likely to offer the extra slots to walk-ons, or save the slots for future classes?

Brian,

Who would you pick as our new Defensive Coordinator? And Why?

Thanks!!!

UNC or the Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven game series? Let's give UNC the home court advantage.

If Bullough and Howard follow DeWalker do you know or have you heard of any guys that might De-commit or are 50/50 on coming to UCLA?

Can we land a premier DC that would keep the defensive recruiting class intact and possibly sway Te'o or other needed defensive players? Will we?

You have to bet on UNC vs. the field, or in other words UNC winning it or not winning it this year, no odds. Who do you take?

You mentioned that Kevin Love had significant outside influences that pushed him to declare for the draft even though he might have entertained the thought of staying. Does Jrue Holiday have a similar situation?

Do you think Bullough is a seroius candidate to replace DeWalker? Can he be the guy in your eyes?

Is there serious mutual interest between UCLA and Trey Zeigler, Ernie Zeigler's son? (hoops)

Why are UK basketball fans so hardcore?

Happy New Year, Brian. That's for a great year of blogging.

What did you think of Michael Roll's two big games this past month? I actually found his D and passing to be quite good, as well as his unbelievable shooting. Your thoughts?

Do you think that Coach Howland will go "small" and play Shipp and Roll at the same time (leaving Keefe on the bench), esp. against quicker Pac-10 teams like Oregon, OSU ans AZ?

Is Howland going to ease off the offers to Sophomores and below given the questionable track record with them so far, or does he feel like he needs to do it to compete?

Who won coach of the year in 2005-2006 and how was it not Howland with the injuries and youth he had on a team he took to the title game?

I've been really impressed with Holiday, Gordon, Lee and Anderson. Morgan is a project, but with hard work will be really good by his Jr. year. Your impressions so far?

What is your opinion of what K. Norton did in the media. Did Carroll use him as the messenger boy? No headcoach would be stupid enough to openly accuse RN of going back to his past regressions without hard evidence.

K. Norton must understand that the D1 coaching fraternity is very small and that burning your bridges with the decision maker would be pretty stupid? What do your sources say. Did he just kill any chance of getting the DC job with RN?

How many high school and/or JC recruits, such as Presley, Taylor and Breuhart, can UCLA have enroll in the winter or spring, so that they do not count against the 25 signees limit? My recollection was that the 2008 class was close to 25. What I'm trying to get at is assuming UCLA signs the maximum 25 in February, how many players will the "new" incoming class actually be?

Who do you think are the leading candidates for the DC position? And do you think that CRN has a made inquiries?

Other than Taylor, who has already enrolled, where do the rest of the JC "commits" (Warner, Williams, Johnson) stand, in particular with respect to their academic requirements? How likely will those 3 actually enroll at UCLA by the fall?

What happens to FB seniors after fall quarter, especially those that are not going to get drafted by the NFL? Are they automatically taken off scholarship to make room for early signees, such as Taylor, Pressley, etc.? Or are they permitted to remain on scholarship for Winter and Spring quarters to try to complete their degrees?

Did you get a chance to read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on academic requirements for athletes? What was your take on it? I think comparing the SAT scores for non-athletes vs. athletes at schools like UCLA which have incredibly high entrance requirements is meaningless.

Are you hearing anything about UCLA going after Myles Wade?

Any word on how Dorrell is liking the Dolphins job?

Now that you've seen Neuheisel for a year, in your opinion was he a better selection for the head coaching position than Walker?

UCLA has the Ronald Reagan medical center, a leading world class hospital, almost across the street from Spaulding Field and Pauley Pavillion. Why does it take so darn long to have an MRI done on an athlete?

But for the recent newspaper stories involving Ken Norton Jr., do you think Neuheisel would have seriously considered Norton for the DC position?

Have any recruits that you have personally spoken to confirmed to you Ken Norton's story, i.e., that a UCLA coach or coaches told them Norton would be the next DC if Walker left? If so, name names. Conversely, have any told you that did not happen?

What's your take on Charles Siddoway? Supposedly he said UCLA stopped recruiting him?

Why didn't UCLA make more of a push for Kevin Danser, now a Stanford committ? With his grades, he would seem to be the type UCLA would go after.

Brian, do you Lester White will get a UCLA offer? Is it the case of if UCLA wants him, they will get him?

Have you heard from any of the recruits that Neuheisal told that Kenny was going to be UCLA's DC?

Is Howland after anybody else for the 2009 recruiting class? There seems to be recent speculation about Renardo Sidney - any truth to that?

Do you think a recruit's quality can be judged by what other schools recruited him? I'm thinking of Ryan Taylor who was also offered by Kansas State, Tulsa & UAB, and who signed originally out of high school with Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Why is it that other newspapers that cover UCLA basketball often have quotes from the opposing coaches in the story related to the game but the Daily News doesn't carry such quotes? Is this a practice that the News discourages or are the other papers just scooping the News?

The Pac-10 is 4-0 in Bowl games so far. Can you give us your thoughts on the games and teams?

Also, do you think the Bowl Season will save the reputation of the Pac-10?

Brian, Hope your holidays were relaxing and thanks for doing the Q&A this week (does this count against my word max?).
Did Walker take the NMSU job b/c his window of opportunity was closing? It seems that NMSU is a place where coaches go to die like Utah St.

you have mentioned that the max scholorships in a class is 25 but how did miami sign 32 just last year

Were you covering UCLA back when the media was still seated courtside at Pauley? It must be a big change being up in the nosebleeds. Is that pretty much the standard seating arrangement at other arenas?

The guy with the blue hair at UCLA basketball who blows on a whistle and tries to distract opponents during free throws. Who is he, and what's his deal?

Now that Siddoway has selected Cal, can you comment on why UCLA cooled down on his recruitment prior to him choosing Cal?
Did UCLA's cooling prompt him to choose Cal?

Does UCLA have any programs/scholarships for football or basketball players not going pro to stay and complete their degrees and/or stay and get a graduate degree?

Do you expect any football players to transfer or decide not to pursue football any more? How many and any names to name?

What is Wayne Moses' take on things after one year. I'm assuming he feels frustrated having talented running backs, but no offensive line.

Brian,I know you hate these questions, but I still have to ask.

Does Byron Moore have any interest in UCLA? Is UCLA still pursuing him? I know he visited Notre Dame and has some interest in the Irish.

Is Palaic a long term coach at UCLA? did he have any idea what he was getting into with the OL? Did he look at it as a challenge or was he pulling his hair out?

Now that you have seen Norm Chow for one year, what is your take on why he isn't a head coach somewhere?

The guy with the blue wig is Mark Kowal, a special needs individual whom I've had the pleasure of sitting next to back when we both had season tickets in the upper section of Pauley. You can read more about him here, here, and here.

How are Mike Roll's feet doing?

I noticed Shipp fed Aboya in the post against La. Tech for an easy bucket. Is it finally getting through to him that the offense works better when the post players touch the ball more?

As an Arsenal fan, I was surprised that you mentioned that you'd like to cover the Gunners if you were in England. Why Arsenal over your beloved Liverpool?

Oprah gaining 40 pounds or Walker getting a head coaching gig this year: which caught you more off guard?

Hi Brian, could you give me your opinion on what positives the football team has to build off of for next year?

Do you think UCLA is better off with Roll starting instead of Shipp? If not, what are the things Shipp does better than Roll?

How does Pete Carroll get so many top FB players to pick USC when they know the competition's fierce and chances are good they'll sit on the bench? Isn't it best for NFL hopefuls to actually be SEEN playing by scouts even on a crappier team?

Why do you think Dragovic gets about the same amount of minutes as Keefe? It certainly isn't because Dragovic is a better shooter cause the percentages prove otherwise.

What is the status on Norm Chow and recruiting? I thought I read that his contract provided that he did not have to do any recruiting, but now he appears to be doing a lot of it, particularly in Hawaii and Utah.

Do you think Norm Chow is enjoying his job enough so that in a few years when the NFL money stops, he'll want to stay at UCLA for less money?

Obviously the OL was the single biggest issue with the football team last year. Why is it that last year the coaches couldn't get any JC OL transfers to come into the program (they came close with Donovan Edwards), but this year they appear to be doing much better? Did the coaching staff not see the problem coming?

You mentioned that UCLA had a "silver bullet" (or something like that) re Stan Hasaik. Can you tell us whether it relates to academics? Or is it something extrinsic, like getting his girlfriend into UCLA?

Were you surprised by Walker taking the NMSU job? Don't you think he would have been better off waiting 2-3 years for UCLA's program to turn around and then trying to get a better HC job?

Any New Years Resolutions?
And have you broken them already?

What is your impression of how UCLA is viewed on the East Coast, both in terms of athletics and academics?

Do you think the players have bought into Neuheisel's "relentless enthusiasm" philosophy? How do they feel going into next season? Why do they next year will be better?

What do you think the chances are that by the end of the season Gordon is starting over Keefe?

So what is Neuheisel's master plan to make the team better next year? Almost all of the additions to the OL will lack Division 1 playing experience, except the transfer from Colorado. And there still is no QB with any college playing experience except for Craft?

Who do you think is more likely to be a #1 seed in the West, UCLA or Gonzaga and why? Thanks.

If Howland was told he had to play zone defense or someone would shoot John Wooden, would he do it?

Not really a question, but your answer last time about the hypothetical conversation between Howland and Wooden on the use of time outs was classic. On that subject, what would Howland do if Wooden told him he needed to play a zone defense against a particular team?

Another DC question: do you think Neuheisel will try to hire someone with Walker's same general philosophy, defensive schemes, etc., in order to capitalize on existing players (who presumably were recruited to fit into that scheme) or will he simply hire whoever he thinks is best for the position?

Do the basketball players get any meaningful exposure to Wooden? Or is it simply a talk here and there? What about athletes on other teams? I seem to recall at one point Wooden was giving lectures to the entire athletic department about the Pyramid of Success, etc.

OK. Neuheisel has now been a Division 1 head football coach again for one season. Have you seen or heard of anything even remotely close to an NCAA violation, even a very minor one? Or has the program been squeaky clean for a year?

If Neuheisel's philosophy is "relentless enthusiasm," what was Dorrell's? And what is Howland's?

What kind of money do you have to give each year to be considered a "major donor" that you would have direct access to Guerrero and he would listen to you (or at least pretend to).

Don't you think it was genius of Petey to encourage "Kenny" to make a statement regarding UCLA? It entirely leaves Norton out in the cold with UCLA, while leaving Pete holding all the cards..?? What's your take?

Is there anything to conclude from Walker not thanking or mentioning Coach Rick in his presser?

If you were an "Up & Coming" DC would you have taken the New Mexico job?

Why is the fil in Chick-fil-A not capitalized?

If Dragovic isn't hitting threes, then why is he out there?

Conference play is upon us...what does Howland feel good about and what makes him worry?

Hypothetically, if Malcom Lee doesn't play anymore this season, is he eligible for a redshirt?

Basketball: Biggest surprise and disappointment so far (yours or Howland's or both). Thanks!

Does the cub reporter for the Daily Bruin get to sit with the big boys in the press area at Pauley?

Do you ever read the Daily Bruin and what do you think of it as a college paper?

Any talk of UCLA and USC wearing blue and red jerseys for the basketball games? Personally, I don't see Howland going for it...especially if it costs him a timeout!

When there is a UCLA-USC football or basketball derby, and the Daily News has beat reporters glued to each team, what is the decision process to determine who writes and gets the byline on the actual game story. When is that decision made?

Brian, when are you coming out with a tell-all book on UCLA sports, a la Mark Heisler's Madmen's Ball about the Lakers?

Which is more likely: Bernie Madoff being named investor of the year or UCLA scoring 100 points in a game again?

Nice article on Morgan and his growing pains. He seemed pretty focused on getting to the NBA in 2-3 years...do you think such talk irks Howland? Bobo's minutes seemed to drop off subsequently...is Ben sending a message?

If Rutgers was in the Rose Bowl and could only grant 5 sideline passes, who would get them?

Did you cover the Rose Bowl this year and if so in what capacity. Have you ever covered the game and if so in what capacity?

What's the explanation on Aboya doing so well on free throws this year?

The Norton nonsense aside, since no one really knows the truth at this point, to your knowledge has coach Ricky kept his nose clean so far?

Is Howland too scared and/or sentimental to play Pitt each year as a November or December non-conference game?

It's well known that Wooden maintains very strong relationships with his former players years and decades after their UCLA careers are over...Do you see Howland keeping such strong relationships? As he so far with guys that stayed 3 or 4 years?

About this time last year, did the players understand why Dorrel had to be fired? Did the majority agree with it? Was there strong sentiment among the players to hire Walker has head coach?

It's my recollection that Neuheisal wasn't on Guerrero's initial shortlist? How did Neuheisal become a candidate and what factors led to him getting the position?

Even if Walker fails at New Mexico State (not that he will), wouldn't his resume be enhanced now that he has Head Coaching experience?

Why is it that the sports information director sets the football schedule?

Even though Prince was running the scout team, did he still get to do position-specific drills using actual UCLA routes? Otherwise, I'm wondering how he's supposed to learn the offense if you think he's got a legitimate shot at starting in 09.

How was Walker's relationship with Neuheisel? In his press conference, Walker thanked pretty much every coach he's worked for except for Neuheisel.

How happy is Howland with the incoming recruiting class? How badly did he feel that he needed another guard? If he didn't get Moser, who do you think he would have signed, or would he have saved the scholarship?

Given that UCLA seems to have trouble recruiting defensive lineman (Price being the noteable exception), but that UCLA does pretty well recruiting linebackers, do you think the new DC will give some thought to doing to a 3-4 defense? Or that the issue will be a factor in who becomes the new HC?

If YOU had to pick the new DC, who would it be and why? Oh and will UCLA basketball ever be entertaining again?

You had one night to live and could go to either: (1) a Springsteen concert at the Stone Pony; or (2) the BCS championship game which Rutgers was playing in. Which do you choose?

Not a question, but can you tell your tech guys that I still can't directly link to a story from the blog using my blackberry. I still get routed to the Daily News mobile site and then have to navigate to find the story. But at least now some UCLA stories are available on the mobile edition.

Can you give your take in regard to couch Bullough being ready to be a DC and do do you think He fits as the new UCLA DC?

Ask Scott Wolf if the following is true: While in high school, USC offered Daniel Hackett's father a job, which he accepted. Low and behold, Hackett Jr. decides to go to USC, but he is on a non-athletic scholarship for family members of employees. How is that possibly not an NCAA violation?

If the Raiders jettison Tom Cable, do you think Neuheisel might be interested in hiring him to coach the OL and OC heir apparent after Chow leaves?

Which of Howland's assistants do you think is most likely to be the next to leave for a head coach position?

What do recruits do during their visit (at UCLA)? How are they swayed as to whether they liked their visit or not? There has to be some kind of special program going on.

Who do you think will start at TE next year? Presley or Paulsen?

One of the recruiting sites says Randall Carroll is not going to SUC and Cal is leading to get him. What are you hearing? Also, the big issue appears to be whether he plays WR or CB. Where do you see him playing at UCLA if he comes?

Just read that Rocky Long is headed to SDSU (along with Al Borges!). Not that you care/cover SDSU, but what kind of impact do you think those former UCLA coordinators will have?

Brian, Morrell Pressley is working out primarily with WR's at the all American game, is the coaching staff at all worried about his ability to develop as a pure TE?

Brian, what purpose does a silent commit serve? What harm does a public verbal commitment bring?

Your best guess: will the Pauley renovation be completed before or after my 19-month old twin daughters enroll at UCLA in the fall of 2025?

In your exp with silent commits, is it more often the coaching staff or the prospect himself that wishes to keep the silence within the commit?

still hearing that we have two silent commits, with one becoming public this next week?

Presumably you have seen a lot of college campuses. How would you rank UCLA's campus compared to what you've seen?

My weekly question: how's UCLA doing with Hasaik, Phillip and Martinez (all OL)?

How would you rank UCLA's Sports Information Department compared to others in the Pac-10? My sense is that they were slow to adapt to the internet world.

With the Pauley project now costing well over $100 million, and approaching $200 million, are we still talking about a renovation or a completely new building? Why not a new building at that price tag?

Besides the number of athletes involved, are there any other major differences (in general) between recruiting football and basketball players?

I have a $50 Crate & Barrel gift card burning a hole in my wallet. What should I get?

Let me try again on a question from last time: What do you think the chances are that next year's, and 2010's, UCLA-USC football game decides the Pac-10...in the sense that the teams are tied going into the game and the winner of that game wins the conference.

If I offered to pay for Mark Dellins' Weight Watchers subscription, would he take me up on it?

what happen to the king taco food stand at the rosebowl?

Were you surprised by Jill's report that none of the defensive coaches are going with Walker to NMSU?

Other than lowering admission standards, what are the three most important things you believe the UCLA administration could do to improve the football program? My three are: (1) buy housing for assistant coaches like SUC; (2) higher salaries for assistants; and (3) finally fix spaulding field.

Anything new to report on how UCLA is doing with LB Te'o?

Fund-raising for Pauley? Don't you think Guerrero is more considered at just selling seats at Pauley next season, what with the financial meltdown and Madoff scandal really affecting the big donors...

What does Ben and the UCLA program need to do to fill up Pauley on a regular basis instead of only versus the big teams? Would a renovated Pauley do the trick?

Brian,

I have been having virus and spyware problems of serious proportions. After I remove spyware, I notice when I open your website, that alot of spyware is being downloaded. As shown by the box at the botton of Internet express, where done finally appears. Is this something your paper is doing or has some virus or spyware attached itself to your address in my favorites.

Brian, does UCLA have a better chance at landing John Martinez or Xavier (OT from Utah) and are chances from landing either one pretty low?

Brian do you think Neuheisel will be a little less animated on the sidelines next year after all the attention his antics garnered this past season?

is UCLA interested in bringing in one more DT in this years class or are they content with only Warner (if he stays)

Brian have you heard of the (internet) rumors that Neuheisel gets infatuated with skill position guys on the recruiting trail and looses sight on both defensive and offensive lineman. If so, have you talked to him about it?

Do you think that UCLA's strength and conditioning will inevitably improve as they now (and lately to be fair) start recruiting more naturally gifted athletes?

Does Rick Neuheisel do more than people think? It seems like with Norm calling offense and DeWayne Walker calling defense, is he just a recruiter or does he have his hands in areas the casual fan isnt aware of reguarding playcalling and all other areas of the program?

Out of the three JC guys committed (minus Taylor, who I presume is coming), how many do you actually expect to enroll (no need to name names)?

UCLA have any shot with Kyle Van Noy?

Which football recruit do you feel is a little under the radar that may come to UCLA and surprise?

How has Patrick Larimore Looked in practice and do you think he will be a factor in the LB corp within the next year or so?

Brian you deserve a lot more than a 'thank you' for your coverage on UCLA athletics and esp. for this Q&A section, but unfortunately that's all I have

Do you think Sean Westgate remains at LB or moves to safety?

Seems like the 4 position is the weakest link on team this year. Do you think Josh Shipp can handle some time at PF a la Dijon Thompson his senior year to open up minutes for Roll and Lee.

What is a bigger disappointment over the past 3 years: that USC has 0 football championships or that UCLA has 0 basketball championships?

Of all the national pizza delivery restaurants, which is the best?

How does a coach know if he's received a silent verbal? Does the recruit wink or nod his head or maybe touch his nose like at an auction?

Are the UBTA festivities open to all loyal blog readers? I'll of course contribute any combination of food, drinks, or money.

What is the most memorable game you've ever covered and why?

What's my prize for dropping the 200th question of the week?

Does UCLA basketball get good fan support when it plays at USC, at Cal, and at Stanford?

Brian, is it true that Dalton Hilliard has a younger brother who has the makings of being a high major prospect? If so, could that have influenced our recruitment of him?

Since Rick N took over from fired Karl D. What has he done to improve the football program that Karl wasn't able to do, and do you feel the program has improved under his leadership?

Would Rocky Long have been an option as DC if he would have waited on accepting the DC gig at SDSU?

Is not going to a bowl game viewed negatively in the mind of a recruit? Or do you think it really doesn't matter?

Brian,

If Love and Westbrook or Luc stayed in school this year would you take the Bruins over North Carolina?

I assume reporters like you are contacting recruits to find out what UCLA really said about Ken Norton. How long do you think it’ll take until we hear the answers? And if Rick lied about it, do you think it’s a firing offense?

Joe Bruin, sadly, did not win the Capital One Bowl challenge. Can you get some reaction from him to see how he's holding up after this tough defeat?

As of Jan. 1, it's illegal to text while driving. However, if I'm only using emoticons--emoticoning, let's call it--is that a loophole?

Why is Stanford called "the Farm?"

You mentioned before that Walker has some good ideas for running a college football program. Such as?

No question UCLA picked up some recruiting momentum lately, but do you think USC's dominant Rose Bowl victory squashes that momentum and solidifies the commitments of its guys who may have been wavering?

No question UCLA picked up some recruiting momentum lately, but do you think USC's dominant Rose Bowl victory squashes that momentum and solidifies the commitments of its guys who may have been wavering?

Brian: An above-average size baby boy was born at the UCLA hospital. Dad is 6'4, 240, and tossed the javelin for the JV team in high school. Mom is 5'10 and leggy and was a Girl Scout. Did Coach Rick get a silent verbal on this kid?

UCLA's early conference schedule takes them on the road for the something like the first 3 games and 5 of the first 7. How does Howland feel about that and does anything about that worry him?

Re your comments about Charles Siddoway: given the lack of offensive lineman, and the problems you've alluded to before that OL are more difficult to predict how they will do in college, don't you think UCLA should be trying to sign every good offensive linemen they can? I'd be happy if we signed 10 OL this year.

Re Kevin Danser: at least one of the recruiting sites indicates that UCLA never made him an offer. Is that consistent with what you've heard? Or is it an example of the recruiting sites being wrong?

What happens to FB seniors after fall quarter? Are they taken off scholarship to make room for early signees? Or are they permitted to remain on scholarship for Winter and Spring quarters to try to complete their degrees? (38 words).

How many early signees can UCLA have enroll in the winter or spring, so that they do not count against the 25 limit? What I'm trying to get at is assuming UCLA signs the maximum 25 in February, how many players will the "new" incoming class actually be?