Post-Practice Update
* Not too much to report tonight; an above-average session, but not as crisp as the last couple days.
* UCLA will scrimmage again tomorrow afternoon, focusing on short-yardage and situational offense.
* Jeff Baca has had a setback with his injury as he came out in crutches for both sessions, and he told me, shaking his head, "It's just not healing, man." Rick Neuheisel is not too concerned, however.
* Kevin Prince did some increased work tonight but was still limited. He did some work handing off and rolling out, but didn't throw much.
* Prince: "I don't know if I want to label it an injury, but it's definitely lasting longer than I would've expected. At the same time, I've talked to guys and heard about these kinds of injuries, and they last longer than a week. While I'm frustrated, I still have to be patient and understand that these things take a little more time."
* Prince: "Monday will be a little less than two weeks away, and that's for sure the date I need to back by. I can get that full week in and the game-plan week. I feel comfortable with everything we're doing - it's not a sense of getting out there just to execute things, but to get back and get the feel of everything. I'd imagine I'd be a little rusty now."
* Cassius Marsh is getting increased work with the first-team defense, and he looks like he'll be able to hang strong. Todd Golper looked good with the second defensive unit, with Jordan Zumwalt out with a groin injury.
* Josh Smith had a nice punt return touchdown in special teams drills, eliciting a loud clap from the crowd.
* Taylor Embree is developing into a fine receiver, and I'd be shocked if he wasn't among the conference's most prolific receivers. He "catches" the ball better than anyone on the team - I saw him come back on a pass that was a second late and extend his arms past the cornerbacks to haul it in. That's a big step for him.
* This is becoming a daily thing, but another good performance out of Ricky Marvray. He had a great catch between two defenders and then a reception on the very next play.
Thanks for the update. Looking good for September
I suspect Neu isn't too concerned about rate of Baca's recovery because he doesn't really expect to win the appeal. Hope I'm wrong, because we could sure use him, even if he can't play the first couple games.