Check out the latest batch of weekly answers…
1) Let’s say that everything goes right for Malcolm Jones and Jordon James. When is the earliest that they could see playing time? (Especially, given the time is takes to learn the playbook, etc.) Thanks! – Spencer
I anticipate they’ll see at least some carries in September.
2) Where do DeAnthony Thomas and Antwaun Woods end up? – Anonymous
Thomas at either USC, UCLA or Washington and Woods at USC or Washington.
3) Why does UCLA seem to have a lot more trouble recruiting highly touted OLs and DTs than at the skill positions and what could be done to improve the situation? Have Coaches Neuheisel and Palcic ever considered bringing Hall of Fame/Outland Trophy winning alum Jonathan Ogden back in the program to help w/ scouting, recruiting, and/or coaching? – Anonymous
Well, to begin with, naturally there are more top skill position recruits than top offensive line recruits in California. There are a million reasons why that is so, but it just is. Given that, it is no surprise that many of the top OL/DL recruits, who happen to be from the Midwest, stay in the Midwest. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but generally speaking, there are simply less top-flight linemen out west. Backing up a moment, though: UCLA has done fairly well with both sides of the line in the last two recruiting classes, and now they’re in the running for several top-10 linemen on both sides of the ball for 2011, so relax and breathe deep. Regarding Ogden, I’m sure they’d be interested, it just hasn’t happened yet.
4) Can you give me your mid season prediction on a 3 deep RB depth chart? Who plays FB? James, Barr, Jones who gets more touches this year? – Anonymous
Considering they don’t really have a fullback position that cut-and-dry anymore, I think it’ll be, in this order: Franklin, Jones, James, Coleman, Allmond with Barr at the F or working into the backfield. But I also haven’t seen these guys in live-action in a while, and some at all, so who knows?
5) Would you move Coleman to FB to have 2 headed monster with him and one of the Franklin, James, Barr, Jones on the field at all times? – Eric
Not necessarily at all times, but yes, I would have him in more of a fullback role.