Bumped. GO BRUINS. - N

Photo Credit: Francis Specker (AP)

Its been a rough week for all that bleed Blue & Gold.  But, I don't think we should forget the young men that laid it on the line on behalf of Bruins Nation, bringing us joy watching them take the field on Saturdays.  I'd like to say THANK YOU for representing UCLA with honor and class to our Senior class:

Chinoso Anyanwu, Terrence Austin, Korey Bosworth, Kyle Bosworth, Reggie Carter, Kevin Craft, Nick Ekbatani, Gavin Ketchum, Chane "The Train" Moline, Ryan Moya, Logan Paulsen, Jerzy Siewierski, Trevor "Moose" Theriot, Alterraun "ATV/Old Man" Verner, Jess Ward, Aaron Ware. 

Although he is not a Senior, Brian Price must be included. 

Honarable Mention: Jake Dean, Brandon Bennett, Jeff Miller and Garrett Rubio. 

Post whatever comes to mind whether it be a play they've made, an impression upon meeting them, a story read about them, etc. 

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Per ESPN: 

Five-star athlete Tony Jefferson (Chula Vista, Calif./Eastlake) decommitted from UCLA following an official visit to USC and will now decide for either the Trojans or the Oklahoma Sooners, ESPN's Greg Biggins reports.

"The UCLA players really disrespected me before the game," Jefferson said. "When they saw me, they were all cussing at me, telling me to never come around Westwood again and things like that. These were guys that I had hung out with before and it was a lot of the team. I guess I kind of see it since I was committed there and was wearing USC gear before their big game but I still didn't appreciate it."

If true, I don't condone the cussing that Jefferson had to endure but WTF?  I know its an official and all but why the hell is he wearing suc gear in the most heated and biggest game of the year.  Did Jefferson expect our guys to show him love wearing their garbage? 

I hope this kid picks suc so we beat him his entire career down at Fig Tech.  Not losing any sleep over this.  Our class will be fine and just like suc, the recruits all saw what a lowlife scum bag Cheaty is and how the gap between the programs got a whole lot closer.  

This is not meant to take BN's focus off of the game in Pullman as our boys continue their fight for Bowl eligibility nor our Ben Ball Warriors and the upcoming season.  

We received BIG news tonight with the verbal from Jordon James.  I agree with others that Coleman will likely be switched to FB (as he was initially recruited for) and I expect Thigpen to be utilized like Trindon Holliday down in the Bayou.  The competition to be the primary back and for carries should be quite entertaining and spark some interesting debates.  

What really has me puzzled is mainly the number of recruits we are pursuing.  CRN is not just pursuing multiple recruits at a position of need (DT) but across the board.  As we currently stand right now, we will have 16 total scholarships (assuming Kia returns using his RS) to hand out to the 2010 recruiting class.  BP is the only candidate that I see leaving early. If so, 17 total rides.  

Per Scout.com we currently have 13 verbals.  This does not include the pending enrollment of Koster and Maka (did he qualify?).  Another 3 rides are spoken for by Smith, Fauria and Mobley (if he qualifies, we all need to cross our fingers he gets to Westwood).  That brings the total to 18.  

Yet, CRN is still out there pursuing a lot of highly touted recruits.  The logical explanation is the normal attrition programs have every offseason.  However, the numbers to me dictate that there could be a lot of guys that will not be on the roster come next fall.  Without singling anyone out, it isn't a secret that the JR class has not panned out the way many envisioned.  

So my question to BN is: If UCLA was to politely nudge some guys out, would you be ok with it in order to bring in better talent or is this something UCLA should not engage in?  

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

Was able to finally get out to the Rose Bowl for the Cal game.  I was hoping to see improvement from the Defense after reading about the "Players Only Meeting" but what I saw was the same concerns we've raised here on BN.  

Here are some stats courtesy of: CFBStats.com                                                                                        

Total Defense Rank: 33

Scoring Defense Rank: 45 (21.6 pts per game)

Passing Defense: 20 (168.3 yds per game)

Rushing Defense: 79 (151.71 yds per game)

Here are the stats for the 1st Quarter:

Passing Defense: 91 (390 yds, 60.5% completion rate)

Rushing Defense: 95 (291 yds, 4.48 avg per carry)

Analysis after the jump.

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Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

I can't believe how my perception of the FB program has turned a 180 in a matter of 4 weeks.  There is no excuse for what has happened or has not happened with this team and program. 

I don't know if this is CRN or CNC's doing but our Offense is as vanilla as KD was as a HC.  The conservative/limit mistakes offense was appropriate in a hostile environment with a RS FR QB but it's as if we've been playing in Knoxville every week thereafter. They keep on talking about stretching the field vertically but I'm not seeing this done on a consistent basis.  Perfect example was the KP pick 6.  Yes, KP should not have stared down the receiver and not thrown the ball but IMO, the coaches did not help the situation.  All game long, we've been running short routes without threatening the field vertically.  Everyone on that play was running a hitch.  That CB was just waiting to pounce on that route.  Oregon was starting a 3rd string CB yet we could not take advantage of this matchup?!? Just boggles my mind. 

The staff is not utilizing the talent on this team appropriately, specifically the WR position.  At this point, I cannot tell if Austin and Embree are just not that good or if their lack of production is a product of the playcalling.  Either way, Rosario/Pressley/Carroll need more opportunities.  These guys have advantages physically and can pose matchup problems.  People have mentioned if we have a Fade Route in our playbook.  Wouldn't it have been nice to see us use Rosario and Pressley down in the Red Zone instead of trying 2 QB sneaks in a row?  Why assist the opposition by not utilizing their size but instead turn them into 5-10 WR's?

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Bumped. Good primer from BlueReign. GO BRUINS. -N

This game will be our first challenge of the season and a more accurate barometer of how much we really have improved.  Nobody on our team has experienced an atmosphere quite like Knoxville.  The last time UCLA entered such hostile territory was in 2003 when we went to Norman, OK.  Tenn is in a similar situation as ours but the 100K orange clad fans make this a very challenging game.  

When Cal went over to Tenn and got blitzed, their True FR CB, Thompson (SR now) made mention of how stunned he was by the atmosphere.  He then showed it when Stallworth left him in the dust for a TD.  The bulk of our roster lacks extensive game experience so I fully expect the youngsters to have the deer in the headlights look to them.

We've talked about our team's strength being the defense.  Our defense must help us weather the initial storm because I expect our offense to have problems initially.  They cannot start out slow against Tenn as we did against SD St. 

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Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

Finally got around to finishing this.  Hopefully, it isn't redundant as there are a lot of good write-ups in the web analyzing the team as a whole and by position breakdowns.  I know it is waaay too early but my look into the fooball program will be more recruiting based.  Based on the numbers, we are looking at a total of 19 rides.  9 rides (2 transfers & 7 verbals) have already been spoken for.  There will likely be 2-3 more rides that become available due to varying reasons. 

NOTE #1: Projected Starters in bold per Spring Media Guide

NOTE #2: Out of state recruits noted by state 

QB: Craft (RS SR), Prince (RS FR), Crissman (RS FR) & Brehaut (FR)

Verbals: Nottingham

Offers: Tyler Bray (No Offer)

-There is talk that we might throw our names in the hat.  He grew up a Bruin fan and his name has exploded onto the national scene after one of the Elite 11 camps.  It's getting crowded at the position but Crissman's shoulder is a concern.                                                                                                

-Prince has the strongest arm, Brehaut has some jiggle while Nottingham's strength is his accuracy.   The talent level at this position is returning to the days of Aikman/Bono/Maddox/McNown/etc.  Prince has the tools but lacks the experience.  If the OL can give him time, he should be able to manage the game and mature as the season progresses.

RB: Ramirez (RS JR), Coleman (Soph), Franklin (RS FR), Knox (RS FR), Thigpen (FR) & Hilliard (FR)

FB: Moline (SR), Theriot (RS SR), Umodu (RS JR), Allmond (FR)

Verbals: None

Offers: Jordon James, Malcolm Jones and Anthony Barr

-Barr looks to be headed to ND.  We are in the thick of things for both James and Jones.  Either one works but if they both want to come, we take talent.  Only concern is our RB position is looking like sucs with lack of spacing.  

-Read how Chow really likes Ramirez's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and this is the likely reason he sat at #1 even when injured in the spring.  A bit upright when he runs a la Dickerson but he has had some big games before.  Coleman should have gotten more carries last year.  Eager to see what Franklin/Thigpen can do with their speed and we'll see if Knox indeed has a lil' MoDrew in him.  There probably won't be enough carries for all but I'm anticipating someone to emerge to be the man.  Franklin/Thigpen/Knox can definitely be contributors in the field position game. 

-Just so the FB's don't feel unappreciated.....the Moline/Theriot combo should be a source of strength for the offense and comfort for Prince.  Umodu and Allmond provide depth with Allmond (Hope he gets cleared) possibly outgrowing the position. More after the jump.

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No matter what the results are, all Bruin fans should be ecstatic about the relentless effort put forth by the entire coaching staff.  Our staff has been racking up the mileage heading towards Signing Day.  CRN was also at the game last night where there was a contingent of 2010 recruits.  In addition, we are going toe to toe for talent against suc.  Something that did not happen under the prior regime.  There has been a definite transformation of the UCLA FB culture. 

Bruin report Online has a free link on the status of the remaining UCLA targets. 

Bruins are in still in serious contention for many recruits including Hasek and Te'o. I'm thrilled that we are no longer a Speed Bump but a Road Block to suc.  We have yet to prove it on the field, but we should all feel confident that it is only a matter of time.  The combination of top notch coaching and increased talent will result in lots of W's for the Blue & Gold. 

Bumped. Great discussion starting post by BlueReign re. stretch run. Would love to get feedback on this from others who are closely following recruiting as well. GO BRUINS. - N

Our staff is looking at roughly a month till Signing Day on February 4th.  The class thus far is looking solid and could possibly round out into a very good class with a few additions.  With the assistance of varying sources out in the www, I thought a snapshot with some predictions would be interesting.

Verbal Commits (18)

• QB: Brehaut 
-Don't take too much from the UA game.  He needs development but has the skill set to be a good one.
• WR: Marvay & Toma
-Marvay reminds me of TA in that he is shifty.  Toma has been called "Welker".  Solid additions.
• TE: Presley
-Already on campus but needs to bulk up.  Oozes potential.
• OL: Hasiak, Capella, Taylor & Johnson
-Priority #1, gotta keep Hasiak.  Good mix of HS talent and JC infusion.
• DL: Warner & Graham
-Both big gets.  Warner is critical IMO.  Our future depth at the DT position is not looking good.  Need another DT or 2 in this class IMO.  Graham is on the lighter side but has the frame to get bigger.  Good upside and has that speed we've been lacking off the edge.
• LB: Golper & Bowens
-Solid gets.  Bowens I think can be a real good one. 
• DB: Mascarenes, Price and Sermons
-Turned a Sermon away from the Dark Side.  Much needed depth at the CB positions and they have the ability to be flexed to safety if needed.
• ATH: Allmond, Hillard & Williams
-Hilliard is listed as a RB but I think he ends up in the secondary as other sources have noted.  Allmond is a FB but there is talk about him moving to the DL.  Williams is a OL but some talk of him playing DT.  I hope he can because bodies are needed.

My Predictions:

1. Kennard (DE): No shot.  Unless he is 1 of the silent commits?  Wishful thinking on my part.  I think he goes to suc like Everson Griffin. 
2. Te'o (LB): Had some hope with the Punahou connections but  this is a BYU and suc battle IMO.  The pull from the Mormon faith will be too much at the end.  I hope I'm wrong and he joins Toma/Hilliard and alumnus, Norm Chow.
3. Su'a-Filo (OL): We had a better shot with Martinez IMO.  We could have had a better shot if Martinez verballed to us but now....think he ends up at BYU ultimately.  There was talk of wanting to play with Martinez but with suc already having a lot of OL in the class and LSU being so far away, logic says local school wins out.
4. Phillip (OL): We were supposedly leading but now it's a toss up.  Really hope we get this kid and I think ultimately CRN & NC will seal the deal. 
5. Abele (OL): We lead and I think he is a silent commit.  Has a good frame and potential.  Some talk of him being a DT which Utah is recruiting him for.  Utah coming on strong but UCLA bound IMO.
6. Carroll (WR): As previoulsy noted, we have a shot but CAL (childhood fav) bound IMO. 
7. Flourney (WR):  I know N doesn’t agree but I think he comes to Westwood.  Whether we like it or not, UCLA has been seen as soft.  Local recruits have always viewed suc as the place to go for top notch football.  In addition, UCLA didn’t have the "street cred" because we didn’t recruit the City Section hard.  Times have changed and continue to.  We had a huge contingent of City guys last year and I’m sure Knox & D. Carter are using their influence to lure Flourney.  
8. Wheaton (WR/DB): Has Oregon written all over him.  Cousin Kenny (no not that Kenny) played for the Ducks.  
9. Sanders (TE/DE): Think he is one of the silent commits.  Gotta help that Dye picked the U at the UA game.  UCLA bound IMO.
10. Tepa (DE): Hawaii verbal but he may be one of the silent commits.  CRN has been recruiting him pretty damn hard and we really need some help on the DE position.  Tepa realizes the potential for early PT and the job CRN is doing and is UCLA bound.  
11. Van Noy (LB): Has made it well known that it is BYU.  Coming for a visit but highly unlikely he comes to UCLA.
12. Maka (LB): Zona verbal but his parents want him to go to UCLA.  Parents ALWAYS win out. 
13. White (S): If qualified, UCLA bound.  
14. Tonga (S): Sticking with Hawaii
15. McKay (S): UCLA is his dream school but has concerns about depth.  It’ll be White or McKay.  One or the other IMO.  
16. Pollard (CB):  Unfortunately, I see him sticking with ND.  If DW was still here, then we had a decent shot in swaying him back.  
17. Eguae (DT): Don’t know anything about him.  Undersized for a DT but I doubt that he comes to Westwood.  Big 12 bound somewhere. 
18. Hubbard (OL): Elsewhere.  I think he is standing in line behind the other O linemen.  

I’m not sure if my figures are accurate but we will have 66 guys on scholarship next year.  That leaves us with 19 rides.  Only 25 per class unless you mix in some early enrollments (Presley, Brehaut & Taylor thus far) and Gray Shirts.  Seeing that we already have 18 verbals, how the math works I have no clue as CRN is actively recruiting these kids.  Dohn mentioned that there would be no attrition but we’ll see how this plays out.   Juco’s Williams, Johnson and Warner may not qualify.  Warner is a MUST get IMO or the DT position will be dire should Price leave early to the NFL.  Need the scour the area for some DT’s but it may not materialize in this recruiting class (NOTE: George Uko of Chino is said to like UCLA a lot but he is a 2010 recruit).  There are other kids waiting on offers from UCLA but it’ll likely be determined based on what happens with the remainder of the class.

I’m optimistic that the staff can keep the current verbals (especially Hasiak) together and supplement this solid class with some additional names.  Hopefully my predictions on the bigger names are off and we see a few surprises come signing day.