Hundley in UCLA's plans this season?
Don't count on it but don't count it out, either.
HOws that for being wishy washy?
``There's still some things that happen in the course of practice that show (for example) he didn't know he'd be hot on that guy or didn't know there was protection required here,'' Neuheisel said. ``It's not a knock on him. Most (new) kids don't. Unfortunately, I have played guys since I've been here that weren't ready.''
And more....
``We'll see where he is as we get to the end of every week. I'm also mindful I don't want to squander a year. If he's not worth the investment with where his maturity is with respect to the offense, we want to be prudent there.''
it's interesting that Texas found 15 freshmen who were ready to play but we can't really even find one...
Trying to be in your corner crn, but u have played guys that weren't ready? why? check if they're ready first, if not - get them the fudge ready! goes hand in hand with count the guys on the field before the snap.
In other words, he's redshirting. Or, he's going to play a few minutes, and never see the field again all year. Based on Neuheisel's track record, we can expect the unexpected, and the unexpected will not be good. Sorry, Rick. Can you say Richard Brehaut???
If I remember correctly, didn't Cade McNown come in mid-season. Donahue didn't think he was ready either but the team needed someone to believe in. That lead to some of the greatest years of UCLA football in recent memory. Perhaps going with someone who can lead will spark this team through the rest of this year. Who knows, he may even save CRN job like McNown saved Donahue's job.
I can understand those who feel strongly about not burning Hundley's red-shirt year.
However, very few blue-chip recruits stay in school and compete for four years. Most coaches across America will play their blue-chip freshman realizing that if they can contribute now there is no reason to keep them back as they more than likely will be gone after three years anyway. There are always exceptions to the rule. Andrew Luck is one of them.
This is not an easy decision. It is more than just a football player using up a year of eligibility. It is about Rick Neuheisel's future. It is about Prince and Behaut. It is about people. It is more than just being a football player.
This decision involves two individuals--a coach and a player. It involves the player and his family. It involves a "football family." It is so much more than is seen on the surface.
Personally, I would do what is best for the individual and not the team. While it might cost me my job, the decision should be what is best for the young man involved. Winning and losing should be secondary.
I am not a fan of Rick Neuheisel. I really never thought he had a chance to become the UCLA head football coach. I am sure I am in the minority, but the right decision here is more important than winning and losing. I hope the decision is based on what is best for the young man, not Rick Neuheisel.
I understand the college football is big business. I don't have to like it, but I understand it. It is a business that I would not be proud to be a part of.
I can only be kicked to the curb so many times...
While I've been a major supporter of CRN (and financially to the the UCLA program), I am sorry to say that CRN will take down the team in his stubbornness and instead of giving Mr. Hundley the chance to learn the game in real time, will allow him to languish on the bench.
Price and Brehaut are journeymen at best...allow this untrained talent to learn the game...under adversity.
CRN (in his last season) would be well respected to allow a Freshman to learn the game during what will be a horrendous season anyway.
Even with the upper-class "talent" UCLA will not win more than 4 games. Why not allow Mr. Hundley to learn on the job for the good of the team.
Really...could he be any worse than the Not-So-Fresh Price of Bel Air or the journeyman from the Inland Empire.
I've said here several times that Hundley would be playing, if not starting, by the Oregon State game.
That may now be true or not true, but one thing is certain: Not playing before CRN is fired or resigns will keep Hundley from the now nationally-known tirades that CRN unleashes on his signal-callers.
The last time he did that with Brehaut, I thought, "CRN could sure use a tongue lashing like that from DG."
Yeah, right.
Godspeed, young Hundley ... and be patient. You will shine here some day.
I may start Brehaut. But Prince is coming back in after any mistakes by Brehaut. After all, I'm the weazel.
CRN married himself and his career to this pistol offense, which neither Brehaut nor Prince are effective at. How ironic if Neu gets fired before ever playing the most important player he ever recruited here.
Cha cha cha is RIGHT ON about Cade's start. I was at that game. He gave us all hope. We should play the freshman.
Keep the redshirt on the young man. Best thing for him and for the young man.
Here's a different take on Hundley and CRN. Of course he should play. Not doing so is idiotic and will simply continue the flow of outstanding freshmen to Texas, SC, and other teams where they seem to be more likely to play based on talent rather than seniority. OK, here goes, play him and do it now. Why? Because then he can't transfer without sitting out a year. Maybe not the most altruistic reason but a reason to play him nevertheless. Otherwise he might just say adios to UCLA and who would blame him?