Frazier cuts list to two

Looks like it will be a battle between Arkansas and Auburn for Kiehl Frazier’s services. The quarterback from Shiloh Christian in Arkansas – incredible website here – was very high on UCLA’s list.

The Bruins will likely shift all their attention to Brett Hundley and Cody Kessler. Expect UCLA to try to pick up a second quarterback as well, in the Trevor Gretzky or Michael Bercovici mold.
Here’s a link to the story: Two-way street

Malcolm Lee tears right meniscus

UCLA junior guard Malcolm Lee tore his right meniscus playing basketball on Sunday, and he will have have arthroscopic surgery next week to remove a portion of the meniscus (cartilage) in his right knee, head men’s basketball coach Ben Howland announced on Thursday. Lee had an MRI on Wednesday, which revealed the extent of the injury.

Lee, who is expected to be out for four-to-six weeks, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a sophomore.

“Malcolm has been performing very well during our off-season workouts,” Howland said. “We expect he will be better than ever following the surgery.”

Cross named to NFF HOF

FROM UCLA:

Former UCLA and NFL football standout Randy Cross has been selected to the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame, it was announced today. The 2010 class includes 12 players and two coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision. Cross is the 13th Bruin to be selected for the NFF Hall of Fame. The list includes nine other players (Troy Aikman, 2008; Gary Beban, 1988; Kenny Easley, 1991; Tom Fears, 1976; Bill Kilmer, 1999; Donn Moomaw, 1973; Jerry Robinson, 1996; Al Sparlis, 1983; and Kenny Washington, 1956) and three coaches (Terry Donahue, 2000; Tommy Prothro, 1991; and Red Sanders, 1996).

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UCLA offers Montclair Prep DE Nembot

UCLA has offered a full ride to Montclair Prep two-way lineman Stephan Nembot, a 6-8, 245-pound Cameroonian. Nembot is picking up a lot of steam in recruiting circles though he is a bit of a project. He said he was initially interested in UCLA because of the success of his countrymen, Alfred Aboya and Luc Mbah a Moute.

EXCLUSIVE: Milton Knox transferring, destination unknown

UCLA sophomore running back Milton Knox said on Wednesday night that he was transferring from the program.

Knox, who broke the city section record for rushing yards and touchdowns at Birmingham of Lake Balboa, denied rumors he was transferring after the season. After he found himself buried in the depth chart behind sophomore Johnathan Franklin and junior Derrick Coleman during and after UCLA’s spring ball – and with two premier incoming freshman stars in Malcolm Jones and Jordon James – Knox saw the writing on the wall.

“I had dreams and aspirations of one day playing in the NFL,” Knox said. “It’s just a numbers game. There’s nothing wrong with UCLA, I don’t have any beef with the program. It’s not like I’m mad at anyone. It’s a business decision, man. Some of my family isn’t happy with it. Some of them don’t want me to leave, but right now I have to do what’s best for me.”

Knox gained 134 yards on 29 carries as a redshirt freshman last season in limited action, and was suspended along with three others for the team’s Week 3 matchup against Kansas State.

Rumors of unhappiness with his role persisted throughout the season, but he looked particularly sour after the Bruins’ spring game, when he had seven carries for 24 yards, compared to nine carries each for Franklin and Coleman.

“Some people I didn’t get a fair shot, some people say I did,” Knox said. “I can’t really sit here up and say that I didn’t get a fair shot. Things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to. It’s nothing against the coaches. Right now, they have to go where it feels right. Unfortunately, I got the short end of the stick.”

Knox said his decision did not come easy, particularly given family health issues and the close proximity to home. Knox originally chose UCLA over Notre Dame, and though he hasn’t spoken to other teams, he said he’d prefer to transfer to a Mountain West or Western Athletic Conference program so he can stay on the West coast.

“Yeah, it was a difficult decision,” Knox said. “My father just had an amputation of his foot. He’s a main reason why I came to UCLA. I really made a sacrifice for my family, and now I’d be doing a sacrifice for myself if I stayed. I don’t want to say that I’m selfish, but at the same time I have to be. Hopefully, the school I go to, I’ll be given the opportunity. Maybe I can fulfill my dreams somewhere else.”

Despite his prospects at UCLA ending, Knox still maintains the confidence that made him one of the best players in City section history.

“Yeah. I’m still a big-time college football player,” Knox said. “I can make plays. When the opportunity comes, I can still make plays. Some people think some players get old or diminish, deteriorate is the word they use. Football is in my blood. It runs through my veins. I can still make plays. I was able to make plays in spring, and I’m still able to make plays in the future. It’s not like I’m not going to be working hard.
“I still have some football in me.”

EXTRA QUOTES AFTER THE JUMP…
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