A quick report from Brian, who is out at UCLA’s camp today…
Taylor Graham, the only (previously non-committed) quarterback UCLA has offered so far in this recruiting class, has given an commitment to Ohio State. Graham, from Wheaton High in Illinois, is the son of former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Kent Graham.
Brian will have more information this afternoon…
UCLA’S RYAN MOYA TO MISS SPRING PRACTICE;
EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR FALL CAMP
UCLA redshirt senior tight end Ryan Moya will miss Spring Practice after undergoing two arthroscopic surgeries at UCLA on Wednesday (March 18). The first procedure was to repair torn medial meniscus in his right knee. The second was to clean out scar tissue in his right Achilles tendon. The time period for a full recovery is expected to be four months. At this time, it is anticipated he will be ready for Fall camp in early August. Moya earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors last season, making 38 receptions for 364 yards and a team-high three touchdown catches. Bruin tight ends who will participate in Spring drills include redshirt senior Logan Paulsen, sophomore Cory Harkey, redshirt junior Jeff Miller and true freshman Morrell Presley.
Rick Neuheisel issued a statement today in response to a story in the L.A. Times. In the story, USC assistant coach Ken Norton alleged that UCLA is telling recruits that it will hire Norton if DeWayne Walker leaves. Here’s the statement from Neuheisel:
“In response to comments made by USC assistant football coach Ken Norton, let me say that I have an outstanding defensive coordinator in DeWayne Walker. He has done a great job for us and I hope he stays at UCLA for many years. However, if he has the opportunity to become a head coach, I know he would do a fine job and I would support him in any way possible.
“That being said, I was sorry to read the comments Kenny made in the Los Angeles Times. I have not told any recruits that if DeWayne left, Kenny would be the defensive coordinator at UCLA and neither have my assistant coaches. Despite the fact that Kenny is a great Bruin, we have more than enough positives at UCLA to interest recruits and convince them that this is the school at which they can flourish both academically and athletically.
“There has been a lot of speculation about Kennys return to UCLA in the media and on the internet, and perhaps that has confused people about who has said what. If DeWayne leaves, I would consider several candidates for the defensive coordinator job.
Kenny probably would have been among those considered, with no guarantees.
However, his quotes in the paper say he is staying at USC, so we wish him well.”
From Brian…
UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker is one of the finalists for the head coaching position at New Mexico State, sources said. The school is expected to make a decision early next week.
The NCAA today altered its rule regarding visiting teams not wearing white jerseys. Now, USC will be penalized just one timeout on Saturday, at the start of the game, as opposed to the previous rule of one timeout per half. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel has agreed to burn one of his timeouts at the start of the game as well.