Weekly Answers, Pt. 2

Check out the latest batch of weekly answers…

1) What do you envision A. Barr’s role to be next year? Can you see him as a beasting LB in the 3-4 scheme? Also, at what position do you see McCarthy excelling on the DL? – goforit
I’m not sure Barr has the mentality for linebacker, but I need to see him play it first. One of UCLA’s issues at linebacker for a few years is having guys who absorb contact rather than intiate it. It won’t take long to see if Barr has that quality. And McCarthy is a defensive tackle if I’ve ever seen one.

2) How much accountability can be assigned to one player? I contend that Joshua Smith is personally responsible for UCLA’s dud of a season. If he had entered the season in shape, prepared, and focused, and played the way we all know he could and should, there’s no way UCLA goes 0-2, and they probably pick up 1 or 2 wins from among Michigan, Texas, Standford, and Cal. So, what do you think of my contention? – Anonymous
Hard to argue, based on how high his potential is.

3) If they have any, when do UCLA’s EE’s have to sign and start classes? – Edward
I believe during the winter quarter. Brett Hundley was in school last year by the 10th.

4) I’m a student and I often see football players working out in the Wooden Center- do they not have their own weight room? Or, are they limited from using the training facility? – Anonymous
The Acosta Center has a 15,000-foot weight room that is used by all 22 sports. Can’t tell you why players may work elsewhere sometimes.

5) Much was made of Reeves Nelson’s departure from the hoops team, and it reminded much of when Drew Gordon was kicked off the team. However, Reeves was given another chance to make-up for his mistakes and rejoin the team, whereas Drew was not given the same second chance? What do you make of Howland’s different approach to handling the two similar instances? – anonymous
I think disciplinary matters like these are best handled on a case-by-case basis. Gordon’s transfer was mutual, while Nelson’s was not.