Answers, Part X

Do you think that potential out of state recruits will be turned off by UCLA's handling of Dean, or will they be encouraged because such a good prospect could not crack the depth chart due to an abundance of talent?
Recruits don't care about stuff like that. They don't really talk to Dean, so the only word they get is from the coaches. And the players usually believe they are the best, and will always earn playing time because of their skill level. And while Dean was a talented high school runner, he had plenty of issues at the college level, and talent never became an issue.

Have you heard of any silent FB commits, or is recruiting just really slow so far? I know its early, but teams like Texas are already loaded with recruits.
I know of no silent commits. Recruiting is slow because UCLA wants the chance to really scout guys before putting on a press to get them to commit.

Why was CRamirez named starter with so little apparent competition? What has CR done to impress the coaches?
The coaches loved the way Ramirez ran during the 2008 spring practice, and how he performed on scout team last year. He is big, durable, shifty, can catch the ball and has a natural instinct for running. And, in talking to the coaches, no one proved during the spring this year they were a better option.

I never took any classes in journalism, but am curious to know if the level of scrutiny/fact checking that is required before running a story is different for sports reporting versus other stuff (politics, business etc.)? Does it varying a lot by reporter or publication?
I can only speak for myself, and I write every story as if I am writing about the President of the United States being forced out of office. The problem with journalism these days is people have no problem throwing stuff against a wall to see if it sticks, and they lose the trust of the reader.

Can you name the three high school QB's for 2010 who seem to be the best bets to become Bruins based on what you're hearing?
Nope. I just know UCLA really, really, really likes Austin Hinder from Colorado.

There was a good number of sexist and personal remarks left in the comment section for Jill Painter while you were on vacation to the point where the option to leave comments was briefly disabled. Although most of the worst comments were removed, do you plan on banning any of the serious offenders?
Yes, some IP addresses have been banned. More could follow.

Do you think any linemen will quit/transfer/retire before fall camp?
No, I don't see that happening. Never say never, but as of now there are no plans of that happening.

Would not signing a (QB) prospect for the class 2010 , hurt the Bruins ?
I think it would. I think a program should sign a quarterback every class because the position is so hard to project and develop.