Weekend Forum Answers, Act IV

Q: Now that the football season is over, which players have officially redshirtted?

A: Redshirts have not been officially certified by the NCAA yet. But freshman like Brandon Carswell, Aaron Corp, Chris Galippo, DaJohn Harris, Rhett Ellison, Jordan Cammpbell Marton Coleman, Trey Hennderson, Michael Rear, Brodertick Green and Marc Tyler all redshirted and will not have problems. I usually leave a name out when I do these lists, so if I forgot someone, I'm sure a reader will correct it.
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Q: On PMS, Petros said that hiring Norton as DC would be a bad move by UCLA and that they the fact Walker is staying saved them from that pitfall. Petros said that Norton is just a rah-rah guy and does not have the skill with Xs & Os to be a good DC. What is your opinion of Petros statement?
A: For once, Petros might have a point.

Q: What is your opinion of Maiava? I think he is one of the most underrated players on the defense and he reminds me a bit of Grootegoed.
A: I agree. Maiava makes plays and while he doesn't have all the hype, he knows what to do and does it. He's quiet like Matt Grootegoed. He also showed in the Rose Bowl he can force turnovers. I don't really anticipate a dropoff at linebacker next season.

Q: How old is Art Bartner anyway? After the great 20-17 victory by the Trojans over the Irish,in 1964, I remember Tom Kelly clearly referring to Dr. Bartner as the director of the Trojan band--and, hey, that's going on 44 years ago!!
A: Bartner was not the band director in 1964. He came to USC in 1969. And he shows no signs of retiring. Or updating the playlist.

Q: Is it true that the real reason Troy Van Blarcom has declared for the NFL draft is because he was actually kicked out of Kansas Wesleyan
A: Van Blarcom did not like school at Kansas Wesleyan or USC. That's why he turned pro early.

Q Is there going to come a time soon though were Mike Garrett is going to sit down with him and see what his long term plans are? With the list you put out earlier this week it just seems like USC has their ducks in a row already in the event that he leaves and he is just waiting for right opportunity to leave USC.
A: You don't ask Caesar how long he will coach. Caesar decides. USC put a preliminary list together once it heard about the Miami Dolphins interview. Everyone needs a backup plan, was the motto.

Q: Do you believe that Big-10/Pac-10/Rose Bowl will ever agree to a playoff system? It seems like other conferences are warming to the idea, leaving the "Rose Bowl conferences" as the only remaining sticks in the mud. What pressure points exist to get the Big-10/Pac-10/Rose Bowl to accept the idea of a playoff? Do you think the other conferences would have a playoff system without the Pac-10 & Big-10? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
A: The two conferences can hold things hostage, especially with Pete Carroll and Jim Tressel around to stay near the top of the rankings. But if the other conferences become more adamant, I don't think the Pac-10 and Big Ten have much choice. Being stranded on a Rose Bowl island is not going to please anyone. So I believe the Big Ten and Pac-10 will be dragged into the process.

Q: Is there any analysis of whether players coming out after their third year do better or worse in the NFL than four year players. It seems more and more players come out after having one successful year. Do they believe that the extra year of maturity, college coaching, and experience is not worth the opportunity cost of playing in the NFL. Also, how close are the draft evaluations provided by the NFL to actual draft levels. It seems there are more first and second round projected draft choices, plus the seniors, than available slots.
A: I haven't seen anything but I would imagine it favors the four-year players, because every year of maturity helps in football, which is such a physical sport.