Report: UCLA, Texas showing interest in EWU’s Vernon Adams

UCLA and Texas have joined Oregon in trying to woo Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams.

The potential graduate transfer has twice finished as both Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year and runner-up for the Walter Payton Award, given to the FCS offensive MVP. His former coach at Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany, Dean Herrington, told The Oregonian‘s Andrew Greif that he has fielded calls from the Bruins and the Longhorns — but that he still thinks Adams will choose between either going to Oregon and staying at Eastern Washington. Continue reading “Report: UCLA, Texas showing interest in EWU’s Vernon Adams” »

Receiver Ryan Newsome flips from UCLA to Texas

After initially committing to UCLA almost two weeks ago, receiver Ryan Newsome flipped to Texas on Wednesday.

Newsome is the second receiver UCLA has lost on signing day, taking a little bit of air out of what has otherwise been a huge morning for the Bruins — one that has included the commitments of No. 1 tight end Chris Clark and No. 1 running back Soso Jamabo. Four-star prospect L.J. Reed will be attending a junior college instead of UCLA.

Receiver Ryan Newsome picks UCLA over Texas

Receiver Ryan Newsome has verbally committed to UCLA, giving it a speedy threat that could add another dimension to Bruin offense.

Newsome, rated four stars by Scout.com and three stars by Rivals.com, picked UCLA over Texas — despite holding his announcement ceremony in the gym at Aledo (Texas) High, located west of Dallas and about a three-hour drive from the UT campus. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound prospect ran the 100-meter dash in 10.38 seconds last April, but also has the type of quickness that allows him to make plays in the open field.

He was named the Dallas Star-Telegram‘s Offensive Player of the Year earlier this month, helping Aledo to a state title with 1,073 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches.

UCLA fullback Nate Iese talks about offensive role

After turning his lone catch last season into a touchdown, UCLA fullback Nate Iese has become a more dangerous offensive weapon.

He still doesn’t touch the ball often, but whenever the 6-foot-3, 250-pound redshirt sophomore does, it’s usually worth watching. Iese has two games with multiple catches, grabbing a pair of passes in the Bruins’ season opener at Virginia and another pair in their 20-17 win against Texas more than a week ago. His first catch of the season went for 17 yards; his fourth was a three-yard touchdown from backup quarterback Jerry Neuheisel.

Iese credited that latter play to how wary the Longhorns defense was of UCLA’s jumbo package — one that lines linebacker Myles Jack as a tailback. Jack only has eight carries for 21 yards this season, but when he does come it, it still sucks defenses in towards the line of scrimmage.

“They bite up on the run so much, the back of the end zone is always left open,” Iese said. “We saw that early on in the game.” Continue reading “UCLA fullback Nate Iese talks about offensive role” »

Jerry Neuheisel named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week

Jerry Neuheisel earned something that’s eluded even Brett Hundley this season: Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week.

UCLA’s backup quarterback was voted the conference’s top performer after lifting the Bruins past Texas with his unlikely heroics, throwing a 33-yard touchdown to Jordan Payton with three minutes left. Neuheisel finished the 20-17 win with 178 yards and two scores on 23-of-30 passing.

The status of Hundley’s injured left elbow remains fuzzy as UCLA enters its bye week.

Cornerback Ishmael Adams, who set up Neuheisel’s touchdown pass with a 45-yard punt return, was voted Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week. He totaled 62 yards on three punt returns and also returned a kickoff for 14 yards.

Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson won defensive player of the week after returning an interception and a fumble for touchdowns in the Huskies’ 44-19 win over Illinois.