Weekly Answers, Pt. 4

Check out the latest batch of weekly answers (With Ben Harper talk!)…

1) Top three surprises of fall camp and why? – Anonymous
A) The play of Nate Chandler and David Carter; the biggest questionmarks on the team after the loss of Datone Jones were on the offensive line. How would Chandler react to starter’s minutes? Could UCLA maintain a solid front without Brian Price. Both were answered, and with good results. B) The play of Richard Brehaut. Kid went from a nervous wreck to what appears to be a capable young quarterback – he’ll go through his fair share of lumps, but the talent is shining through. C) Ricky Marvray, Ricky Marvray, Ricky Marvray. Enough said.

2) Top three non-injury related disappointments of fall camp and why? – Anonymous
A) Jeff Baca, and I don’t think that needs much explanation. B) The lack of the emergence of a true No. 1 running back, although I do think Johnathan Franklin quickly becomes the solo No. 1. C) Moving Damien Thigpen to defense. I just think Thigpen could be special with three-five plays per game on offense. He has crazy speed, and with his frame, he’s almost impossible to find in traffic. I never thought he was a realistic option at running back, but I just think that he has a lot of offensive talent.

3) Is it possible to be a Vegan and an offensive linemen? – San Diego Therapist
I would assume its possible, but extremely improbable. I couldn’t imagine trying to replace the protein without meat or milk.

4) Looks like we’re in the top 5 for Tony Steward, what are the chances he brings his game to westwood? – Nacho
Well, the easy answer is 20 percent, but with Clark Lea, I like the chances. Lea is an excellent recruiter – how many guys now, not just linebackers, have mentioned him in interviews? – and UCLA is pursuing him hard. I’ve seen film of this kid…nasty. Just….nasty. A game-changer in every way possible.

5) Thoughts on Ben Harpers new side gig with Joseph Arthur and Dhani Harrison called Fistful of Mercy? – groverules
Awesome question. I like, but don’t love, FoM yet. I need to hear more of their stuff, but Restore Me doesn’t get me like a lot of Harper’s other music does. I saw Harper and Relentless7 in Brooklyn last year, and I can’t even describe what that was like. Absolutely epic. Just unreal. Probably six feet from him, I thought I would start crying when they played Under Pressure. I’ll probably try to see Fistful of Mercy when they announce a tour.