I began covering UCLA in the summer of 2003, and in the last six years I made some great friends, ticked off some folks and had a bevy of wonderful experiences.
With a lot of excitement looking ahead and some sadness, for what I am leaving behind, I wanted to let everyone know I am leaving the Daily News. My family and I are moving back to New Jersey.
Within the next week and for those interested, I will get word out a about my new gig, which is not UCLA related. Right now is not the correct timing for me to say what it is.
I want to thank everyone for all the great times I had covering UCLA, and the incredible success of this blog. The experiences I had covering UCLA are things I will always remember.
The Daily News has been great to me and my family, and I wish it nothing but success in the future. I also know the Daily News will continue to treat UCLA, and the blog, with the utmost importance.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel was asked about the Bruins’ pursuit of USC in the Pac-10, and on the national landscape.

“We’ve proven we can recruit with them. I believe we will continue to recruit with them,” he said. “I believe, based on the resume of my coaching staff and what I know about them, we can coach with them. …
“The question is developing our game to the point where we are as developed as they are. We’re not there yet. You can’t run on to the field with those guys and say you’re there yet.”

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said injuries will not be a big concern heading into training camp, which begins Aug. 10.
He said offensive linemen Mike Harris, Kai Maiava and Darius Savage and tight ends Ryan Moya and Logan Paulsen were all given good medical marks and will be ready for the start of camp.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said being bowl eligible would be a good season. What do you think?

Here is the story I wrote about UCLA from Pac-10 media day as well as a column Jill Painter wrote about the Pac-10 race.
As a side note, Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel was asked if he was going to start Twittering (or is it Tweeting?), and he said he would. However, he was researching the process, and whether it can hurt in any way, before starting it.

I asked UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel what would make the season successful.
“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t make the postseason,” Neuheisel said.

As of this afternoon, I was told offensive linemen Nik Abele and Eddie Williams were on track to complete the necessary academic work and be admitted in time for training camp.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel was asked about the need for quarterback Kevin Prince to play well this season, and it came back to the Bruins’ running game.
“Until we become a viable threat running the football …the quarterback position is going to struggle,” he said.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel addressed the media this morning and touched on a few interesting things.
“I think we’re a much more athletic team, stronger, but really inexperienced,” Neuheisel said. “We feel like we’re on the right path. The culture of work and the enthusiasm is where it needs to be.”
As far as recruiting, Neuheisel said it is by design the Bruins don’t have a gaggle of commits.
“Early commits are a formula for trouble,” he said. “They (can) end up not being the very best you can get.”
Neuheisel added he thinks seniors need to be given a chance to develop during the recruiting process.

Here is the link to watch today’s Pac-10 media day. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is on at 10:15 a.m.