Weekly Answers, Pt. 4
1) Would you consider defense to still be the strength of the football team next season, or will the young and growing offense have to carry the team for us to be competitive? - PowderBlueBalls
No, I think it will be much more balanced. More individual playmakers defensively - I truly think Ayers and Moore duke it out for Pac-10 defensive POY - but more consistent offensively.
2) Do recruits read this page? - Anonymous
I really hope not. Nothing to gain. Someone insinuated that my posts could somehow affect a kid's decision. Let me tell you now: If a kid is swayed by something I!?!?!? write, he has sorely misjudged me.
3) Jon, I was wondering if you think that Howland is seriously considering starting Malcolm Lee at the point, instead of Jerime Anderson? And, do you think that would take some pressure off him? - Spencer
I love the move. In Howland's offense, JA can't do what he does best - penetrate. Maybe he can, but he also know he has a short leash. A starting point guard needs to be efficient at the coach's system - stick a steady shooting point guard, and he thrives. Lee at point guard, for whatever he lacks in handles and passing, is not a bigger drop than JA to Honeycutt. Instant rebounding, instant passing, instant zone defense athleticism. A no-brainer.
4) Can you share your thoughts on why UCLA was so quick to offer Lazeric Jones? Any insider knowledge? - Spencer
I think they're getting more and more doubtful about McCallum or Ziegler.
5) What is the most likely lineup for the offensive line next year? - anonymousWithout factoring in Kia, Hasiak or the incoming freshmen, I think: Baca/Taylor/Maiava/Williams/Harris, with Abele pushing for a starting gig. I'd also be curious to see if Nate Chandler can bulk up and play left tackle.
6) When Gordon announced he was transferring, do you know if other coaches contacted Howland about Gordon's attitude? How do you think Howland might have answered? - Blue Bruin
Howland would have played nice, but firm: it was a good decision for BOTH parties.
7) UCLA football seems to recruit extremely well at the skill positions of QB, RB, WR, TE, S, and CB. Why doesn't UCLA recruit as well at the core positions of o-line, d-line, and linebacker? - Blue Bruin
All fans say the same things about their schools. I think Neuheisel is trying to work from the inside out, but there just aren't the same kind of offensive line recruits on the West Coast as there are in the Midwest and south.
8) I saw that someone asked about Maka, but what about Koster? - Anonymous
Koster's a go, from what I've been told.
9) I've heard that there might be some transfers from our women's volleyball program. Can you confirm? - Anonymous
Umm, no, I don't know much about women's volleyball. I don't know anything about women's volleyball.
10) I've seen rumors (mostly posted by trojies) that Randall Carroll is moving to corner for spring practice. Have you heard anything about that? - Bruhaha
No.
7) UCLA football seems to recruit extremely well at the skill positions of QB, RB, WR, TE, S, and CB. Why doesn't UCLA recruit as well at the core positions of o-line, d-line, and linebacker? - Blue Bruin
Huh? Defensive player of the year was Brian Price, Ayers was Pac 10 honorable mention, Carter was all league. When was the last time a QB, RB or WR earned all Pac 10 honors? 5 years ago I think. We haven't a good QB in 10 years and Craig Bragg was probably our last quality receiver. We had the #5 O line recruit last year, it will take another 2 or 3 years to see how they all pan out.
Jon - I don't know where else to post this... sounds as if Uko's recruitment may be open again. When will you get in touch with his coach?
Was Yandell the recruit you expected to commit?