CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN PRINCE

What up UCLA fans, this is Vincent Bonsignore, I’m covering for Jon Gold today,

I just finished up with Kevin Prince, talking about the importance of staying healthy now that Richard Brehaut is out for three weeks,

Obviously Prince never wants to get hurt, but now more than ever the Bruins need him on the field, and he seems to get it.

The trick is finding the proper balance between playing smart and still playing hard. Playing confident, not scared.

Based on our conversation, I think he appreciates that line, especially after going through so many injuries over his career.

FYI, the Bruins are off until Sunday – well, the players are, anyway. The coaches are hitting the recruiting trail in what could be a very big weekend for them to make some head way with kids.

Anyway, here my talk with Prince:

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYING HARD, BUT ALSO STAYING HEALTHY

It doesn’t really change my mindset toward the game but it definitely makes me more mindful of getting out of bounds and things like that,” Prince said “But I’m not going to not hold the ball on reads, and I’m still going to run the ball and play the way I like to play.

Obviously it’s a little more important now because we don’t have an experienced quarterback backing me up, like we had with Richard.

I’ll just try to be smart and get out of bounds when I can and slide when I can and protect myself.

ON THE LESSONS HE’S LEARNED ABOUT TRYING TO AVOID INJURY

I learned pretty quickly you can’t withstand much abuse on the college level. These guys are strong and fast and great athletes.

I’m not that young kid going into Neyland Stadium trying to take on Tennessee linebackers anymore.

With experience comes a little bit of wisdom and I feel like I’m a little bit smarter when it comes to those decisions.

ON THE ART OF PLAYING SAFE

I’m not too good at it, but there’s a little bit of art to it. More than anything it’s trusting your instincts, knowing when to get down, feeling the pressure and just knowing when to avoid hits.

Richard (Brehaut’s) pretty good at it, watching him I’ve picked up some things. He does a little spin move, so I might try and incorporate it into my repertoire.