Round Two

Q: I used to have class with Michael Morgan and I was surprised when I learned that he played linebacker, since he seems quite undersized. With his health problems and lack of size, do you ever see him making it onto the field as a linebacker?
A: It's going to be difficult until he puts on some weight. It's one reason the coaches tried him at defensive end strictly in pass-rush situations. This will be a big year for him, he's had two years and needs to show something this season.

Q: Your coverage of the OJ Mayo/Lakers Tickets non-issue seemed to imply that you felt USC's compliance department was overzealous in contacting the NCAA. Isn't it better that they get the NCAA to rule quickly and take the necessary corrective steps than to turn a blind eye and find out that the NCAA has acted on its own accord down the road -- especially since the NCAA did find such a violation took place in this instance? To what extent do you believe USC should make such determinations on its own without consulting the NCAA?
A: I've consistently said the compliance office was overzealous and a good example is that more than two years later, the investigation into recruiting dinners at Papadakis Taverna is not completed. Overzealous to me is interviewing athletes and making them wait an hour on a school night the week of the 2006 Cal game.
They've already banned meals at the restaurant (a good decision) but now the investigation is reaching Whitewater lengths.
I could give some other strange examples involving investigations of trivial matters but at this point it's best if I don't since I know they read this site.
I didn't have a problem with them declaring Mayo ineligible but some of the readers scoffed at the notion it would happen. I knew compliance would do it.

Q: How does the Pac-10 race shape up for next season? If you don't want to list 1 through 10, how about listing the favorites and any potential surprises? As always, thanks for the forum.
A: USC and Arizona State should be the favorites with a lot of buzz for UCLA. Surprises? Washington and Stanford seem ready to start winning some games.

Q: After such a dominating performance in the senior bowl, who gets taking first, Sed Ellis or Dorsey? Also, did Booty's 2 mishaps (Int in the red zone, and fumble) make his stock slip a little more? He did make some great crisp throws though. Also where do you see Chauncey Washington going?
A: Ellis seems like a top 10 pick (now) but the draft changes a lot. Teams seem to have Dorsey higher but who knows. I didn't see the game but Booty seemed to raise his stock through the week from what I heard talking to observers in Alabama. He seems to be a second or third round pick right now. Chauncey Washington seems like a mid-round selection right now.