Weekly Answers, Pt. 1

Check out the first batch of weekly answers…

1) What’s your thoughts on where Dominic Artis eventually signs? Any specific reasons you’re hearing on why he decided to open up his recruitment again? – Anonymous
I’ve heard Oregon and Cal mentioned the most specifically, and I think it’s a simple numbers game for Artis. His recruitment was whirlwind in the first place, and Oregon got in his ear at just the right time about his role with Kyle Anderson on board. It’s a blow to UCLA, for sure, but the Anderson commitment should go a long way in easing the pain.

2) Jon – lots of new faces seeing time recently due to injuries and playing as well, if not better, than the guys they’ve stepped in for. I know the answer is probably “I don’t know”, but why can’t the staff make better sense of the talent they have on this football team? – spedjones
I….don’t….know. I tried to resist, but really, who does know? I’m not seeing anything different than you are.

3) I don’t see UCLA point guard position being in bad shape without Artis in 2012 do you? I had heard he was a 4 year player is part of the reason he left because he doesn’t think he is and playing time could be limited or he might not be the “star” ball handler in 2012? – Moe Bruins
I don’t think it’s 2012 as much as it is 2013 and beyond. Artis’ ascension was almost instantaneous, and with his troubles at Findlay Prep, maybe it was a sign of things to come. Often with these one-summer explosions onto the national scene comes an overinflation of ones status, and when Anderson verballed to UCLA, Artis took a step back and looked at the landscape and his future. It’s understandable albeit uncommon and unorthodox.

4) Adding insult to injury… On the last play of the game in the loss to the Cardinal, Stanford decides to put in former UCLA commit Brett Nottingham. And instead of going into victory formation and taking a knee, they actually run another run play. Think Stanford was sending Rick a message? Were any of the coaches or players visibly upset by this slight diss? I know I would’ve been pissed. Your thoughts? – romeojam
I don’t think Stanford was really sending a message. It was a blowout win, and Nottingham is the No. 2 quarterback and has been put in in situations like that. I haven’t heard anything from the coaches about it, so I think it’s blown over.

5) Despite a defense that can’t get off the field, a special team that seems to be getting worse (poor return, terrible coverage, uncertainty at kicker), and an inconsistent offense that just lost its starting QB (all in Neuheisel’s 4th season); given that Arizona, Cal, Utah, and Colorado are winless in the Pac-12 competition, do you see him squeaking-out a winning bowl season and getting to come back next season? – Anonymous
If UCLA plays up to its capabilities, yes.