Weekly Answers, Pt. 2
1) Jon - what do the football players now do during the offseason besides strength and conditioning? Can they practice schemes with their coaches? Playbook refinement? - RXBruin
They can't practice at all with coaches, but believe me, they dive into the playbook. Forget the conditioning - that matters more.
2) OK Jon, I have read people say on some Bruin sites that Ben Howland's time should come to an end because of what has happened this season. I think 1 bad season after 3 straight great seasons should not make or break a coach. I know that UCLA basketball is supposed to contend for championships every year but do you agree that, once in a while, a team might have a few down years to rebuild? Sorry for the long question. - Mbruck
To even suggest Howland should be fired is a complete joke. Simple as that. A joke.
3) What are the chances of landing DT Fred Thompson? Also, his teammate Ryan Murphy is visiting as well, any news on him? He's listed at 6'2 205lb and runs a 4.42, that's impressive. - Anonymous
Thompson is definitely on UCLA's radar, and would be an important get for them, especially to make inroads into Oakland, which has some solid football talent.
4) Do you expect any commitments this weekend? - anonymous
Maybe one.
5) Do you expect to see Coach Neuheisel do more to integrate his "speed" guys into next year's offense? I'm thinking specifically of Randall Carroll and Thigpen. Our offense this year sorely lacked for gamebreaking speed. - Andy (San Francisco)
Yes, and I think he started to use Thigpen more in the bowl game. That kids a talent. Once Carroll shores up his route-running and gets the playbook nailed down, I expect him to shine.
6) What are the best and worst case (but realistic) scenarios for the football record next year? - Matt A
Best case, 7-6. Worst case, 5-7.
7) Do you think Howland changes his recruiting tactics after this season? He built his program on hardworking kids who bought into his philosophy, yet he seems to have wandered away from that type of recruit towards the scout.com glamor kids who are one and done after a season and leave the program in a lurch. Can he get it done (win the big dance) with the type of kid who stays in school for four years or has he signed a Faustian pact with the devil, and, at the expense of UCLA winning it all, become a prep school for the NBA? - BruinInSeattle
I really think it was just one poor recruiting class. Nothing more. Nothing less.
8) What is the relationship between Hasaik and Sua'Filo and is there any connection between Hasaik's status and Sua'Filo's decision to go on his mission? They seem to be good friends. - JungleLand
They are good friends, but there's no connection there. Su'A-Filo said he made up his mind a while ago.
9) Has Kai Forbath made his draft decision, or indicated which way he is leaning? - Anonymous
Leaning on coming back, and I think he will stay.
10) Is there any reason why Trey Ziegler and Ray McCallum are waiting so long to decide where they want to go? Seems like they're stringing all the schools along for the ride. Is UCLA still pressing hard for either one or have they decided to go after others (e.g. Lazer, Burton)? - kdl1984
UCLA still wants them badly, but at this point, they need to start making some in-roads elsewhere. I understand the perspective of waiting - why not? But the schools need to also protect themselves.
forbath prolly doesnt even shower after the game. i dont think he is worried about an injury.
Jon, which "one" poor recruiting class are you referring to? '07 or '08?
Guys, as for Forbath leaving...Let's remember our last great kicker, Justin Medlock. He was outstanding for us, even made it to the league I believe as a draft pick (correct me if I'm wrong). But, let us also remember what happens to kickers when they miss a few! Our guy got cut immediately after a significant shank early in his rookie year...Why should Kai bail out early?