Signing Day Roundup/Open Thread: "Zero Fear"
by Nestor on Feb 4, 2009 5:44 AM PST
in Recruiting
322 comments
Signing day is here. Finally.
We have been discussing last few months how there has been a definite change in the way UCLA football coaches now approach recruiting - with relentless tenacity. Ramona Shelburne from the Daily News marked that difference earlier in the week. Now Chris Foster from the LA Times has a story on signing day noting the change in the world of UCLA recruiting:
Over the span of a month, the prized defensive back was among four recruits UCLA managed to flip its way. Billy Sanders, a tight end and defensive end from Idaho, changed from Miami; Taniela Maka, a linebacker from Long Beach Jordan, switched over from Arizona.
The coup de grace, though, was Carson tight end Morrell Presley, who initially committed to USC, then enrolled at UCLA. That seemed an indication that while the college football monopoly in Los Angeles is still far from over, there is a game afoot.
"Think about it, when was the last time UCLA ever pick-pocketed USC?" said Rick Kimbrel, western recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. "That hasn't happened in quite some time.
"Rick Neuheisel is like a bulldog. He doesn't care about USC's reputation. He's going head-to-head with them."
Obviously given the run they have had last few years Trojans are not going anywhere (unless of course NCAA decides to do its job ... lolololol). They will be piling up their share of blue chip recruits. But what has changed is that UCLA is not picking through left-overs any more. CRN and his staff have gotten their share of talent despite a 4-8 record in their first season:
And UCLA might not be done yet. As noted in last night's fan post here are the recruits Bruins are in the running for today:
LB Manti Te'o of Punahou High (Honolulu)(Notre Dame Commit)- OL Xavier Su'a-Filo of Timpview High (Provo, Utah) (Bruin commit)
- OL Stan Hasiak of Kapolei (Hawaii) High (Bruin commit)
- RB Damien Thigpen of Stonewall Jackson (Manassas, Va.) (Bruin Commit)
- WR Randall Carroll of Cathedral High (Los Angeles) (Bruin Commit)
- DB Brandon Sermons of Diamond Ranch High (Pomona) (Bruin commit)
For those who want to be glued to the TV (ESPNU) for announcments here is the schedule (via Dohn):
9:30 a.m. -- RB Damien Thigpen
10 a.m. -- LB Manti Te'o
11 a.m. -- OL Xavier Su'a-Filo
6:30 p.m. -- WR Randall Carroll
For a look at the back and forth process Dohn has a story. I don't get all worked up about the roller coaster ride in recruiting but I guess I can understand how the constant committs-decommits might cause a movement towards an early signing period in football (just like we have in hoops). FWIW Neuheisel doesn't mind the challenge. He has zero fear:
As for other schools trying to poach UCLA recruits, Neuheisel said, "We have zero fear. But we tell them, 'If they're talking about their own school, pay close attention, but if they start talking about us, you got to start asking yourself, why?'"
He is relentless:
"I think everybody would agree that a commitment ought to be a commitment," Neuheisel said. "But because of how the commitments are arrived at, and kids having such terms as `soft verbals,' you just have to keep competing until a kid tells you, `I'm done.' Then you move elsewhere. "But these kids are still inviting coaches into the home, and all that stuff, so you just have to keep swinging." And he is enjoying all of it: "It's a wild ride. It's fun, if you have the right attitude for it." Can't wait to find out how it all plays out today. Just like our head coach we have nothing to fear. GO BRUINS. UPDATE (N): Note Te'o has set up a conference call with the folks at WeAreSc.com at 1:00 pm. I think that could be a sure fire sign that he is headed towards Southern Cal. GO BRUINS. UPDATE II (N): For more signing day check out the links on our official site. For folks looking for ESPNU on DirectTV, I believe the channel is 614. GO BRUINS. UPDATE III (N): Bruins hold on to Sermons but lose Sanders to Miami. GO BRUINS. UPDATE IV (N): Hasiak to UCLA!!! GO BRUINS. UPDATE V: (N): Good luck to Te'o. He is an Irish. GO BRUINS. UPDATE V (N): Things are looking very good for CRN. Thigpen is now a Bruin. Bruins have also picked up Jared Koster - Norco LB - who was previously committed to Colorado State. Bruins are also right in it with Xavier Su'a-Filo. No matter what happens from here on out a FANTASTIC signing day so far for CRN. GO BRUINS.
UPDATE VI (Ty): Su'a-Filo is a BRUIN
UPDATE VII (A): Here is the list of football letters-of-intent or grant-in-aids received and certified as of 2:00 pm PT:
PREP SIGNEES
Name Pos. High School Ht., Wt. Hometown Nik Abele OL Irvine 6-6, 255 Irvine, CA Jayson Allmond FB Bloomington 6-0.5, 257 Fontana, CA Isaiah Bowens LB Bishop Amat 6-3, 220 La Puente, CA Richard Brehaut QB Los Osos 6-2, 206 Rancho Cucamonga, CA Greg Capella OL El Diamante 6-4, 326 Visalia, CA Todd Golper LB Arcadia 6-0.5, 225 Arcadia, CA Keenan Graham DE Silverado 6-4, 225 Las Vegas, NV Stanley Hasiak OL Kapolei 6-6, 320 Kapolei, HI Dalton Hilliard RB Punahou 5-11, 195 Honolulu, HI Jared Koster LB Norco 6-1, 220 Norco, CA Taniela Maka LB Jordan 6-1, 220 Long Beach, CA Ricky Marvray WR Centennial 5-11.5, 184 Corona, CA Alex Mascarenas DB Mission Viejo 5-11.5, 175 Mission Viejo, CA Stan McKay DB Poly 6-2, 205 Long Beach, CA Marlon Pollard DB Cajon 6-0, 170 San Bernardino, CA Morrell Presley TE Carson 6-4, 215 Carson, CA Sheldon Price DB Bishop Amat 6-2, 165 La Puente, CA Brandon Sermons DB Diamond Ranch 6-1, 180 Pomona, CA Xavier Su'a-Filo OL Timpview 6-5, 285 Provo, UT Iuta Tepa DL Poly 6-3, 238 Long Beach, CA Damien Thigpen RB Stonewall Jackson 5-9, 170 Manassas, VA JC SIGNEES
Name Pos. Junior College Ht., Wt. Hometown Ryan Taylor OL Tyler College 6-3, 305 Tyler, TX Eddie Williams OL Mt. SAC College 6-1, 331 Walnut, CA
Link to the full release with player descriptions
Just so everyone knows, there are 23 players on the list. We're still waiting to hear about WR Randall Carroll, who is announcing tonight and picking between us and USC, and Roby Toma, who is committed to UCLA but may switch to Notre Dame.
According to one of the premium message boards, there are also two committed JC players who are still trying to get their admissions in order and at least one and maybe both could become Bruins.
Point is, close to 1/3 of the roster could be new next season and more than half the roster will be players recruited in the last two years by Rick Neuheisel and company.
Just imagine how he'll recruit when he's coming off a winning season as opposed to the current 4-8 season.
One other note: OL Xavier Sua-Filo said on television that he'll be playing as a freshman for UCLA, then will undertake a religious mission.
UPDATE VIII (A): This is from the Washington Post on speedy Damien Thigpen
"His visit to Tennessee was pretty disappointing to him," Dougherty said. "I think when he went out to UCLA it was just the opposite. He went out there and they really made him feel like he was going to be a big part of what they were going to be doing. They really made him feel like he was going to be a part of things pretty quick."
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Thigpen was a coveted recruit because of his blistering 4.34-second time in the 40-yard dash. Dougherty said UCLA told Thigpen he would have the chance to return punts and kicks as a true freshman, and that the Bruins planned to use him similar to how Florida utilized star wideout Percy Harvin this year, by getting him the ball in a variety of ways in space.
"They just need speed, and Damien's a fast kid," Dougherty said. He's a 4.34 kid, and he's every bit of it in equipment, too."
Can't wait to see how fast this kid is.
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Follow online?
Is there an online site where I can follow signing?
I cannot believe I want to. CRN has really made a difference.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Feb 4, 2009 6:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Times have certainly changed.
Thank goodness!
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
by gbruin on Feb 4, 2009 6:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Carroll
i think his announcement is on FSN. ESPNUs coverage ends at 4 PT
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 7:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
the guys on ESPNU
just said that they think it’s between ND and SC for Te’o
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 8:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Billy Sanders
just switched his commitment to Miami, per Dohn.
by BruinFanBaby on Feb 4, 2009 8:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Dohn's Blog
Has confirmed LOI’s for the following:
DB MarlonPollard — Cajon of San Bernardino
DE Taniela Maka — Long Beach Poly
DB Sheldon Price — Bishop Amat of La Puente
DB Brandon Sermons — Diamond Ranch of Pomona
DB Alex Mascarenas — Mission Viejo
He’s updating throughout the day.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 8:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
ESPNU reported
that Te’o’s announcement is in 30 minutes (meaning 9 am PT) instead of at 10. Not sure if that was just a mistake or not
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 8:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
hmmm
byron moore actually committed back to sc. i didnt expect that, but hey whatevz. they do lose out on ashlon jeffrey so i laugh too. i agree with bucknell, think te’o is goin to sc. with malealuga, cushing, and matthews declaring for the nfl petey was able to sell lbs a shot to play right away which we all know isnt gonna happen…,
Across The Face
by rb bruin on Feb 4, 2009 8:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
graham is officially a bruin
per dohn
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 8:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Te'o announcement
coming up any minute on ESPNU
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 8:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
espn is convinced
he’s going to SC
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Daily News Datatbase
The Daily News has a database tracking signees. Here is the link:
by Gen2Bruin1987 on Feb 4, 2009 8:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sanders switched back to Miami
Just another guy who committed to school A, switched to school B, then went back to school A.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Great News!!!
Hasiak is a Bruin!!!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That's Awesome!
We need this one.
by BruinFanBaby on Feb 4, 2009 9:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It looks like
Te’o doesn’t have a UCLA hat at the table. Just ND and SC
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I saw that too. I’m not that surprised though
by BruinFanBaby on Feb 4, 2009 9:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
me neither
i was hopeful…but in my heart i knew it was a longshot. Maybe he’ll go on a mission and we’ll get him then, a la Ben lol
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe its one of those things
where he pulls the 3rd hat out from under the desk and shocks everyone……
ok maybe i’m reaching a bit
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
hmmm
ESPNU’s guys just reported the UCLA hat actually is there. can’t see it though
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I see the UCLA hat
white with blue letters
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You beat me to it BlueReign
The Honolulu Advertiser has a live feed of what’s going on and Hasiak said “Yeah, I’m going to be a Bruin.”
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
GOOD LUCK TO TE'O
He seems to be too nice a kid to go to U$C.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 9:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
wow im shocked
honestly…i thought it was us or USC
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well if he's not going to be a Bruin
it will be nice not having to play him every year.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
XSF
In light of the Hasiak signing, landing XSF will be HUGE.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 9:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
If we can reel in XSF then all of a sudden we have an A+ o-line class. Even without him we’ve addressed our need at the position, but he can make our o-line class great.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thigpen should be announcing any minute
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thigpen
Will he be announcing on ESPNU?
by uclafan11 on Feb 4, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
not sure
they haven’t talked about him, so i don’t think so. They might mention it afterwards though
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love to have him
His speed and quickness out of the backfield be a real weapon, especially in a Norm Chow offense.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
speed is the #2 thing we need, behind o-linemen. carroll would be huge as well
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm hearing Jared Koster may flip to us
He’s a linebacker from Norco. Maybe a contingency plan for losing Te’o? He was committed to Colorado St.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
hmm
i thought xsf already signed with utah? maybe i misread something. anywho getting hasiak was major and i guess te’o to nd is a half win for us. first i wonder how much nd’s contract with nbc played a role. although sc is on all the time here on abc or espn, i doubt that’s the case in hawaii. sc isnt always the national game but we get it on the west coast as the regional option. but nd is on all the time on either nbc or espn, having his peeps seeing him play weekly may have been a lure. secondly i wonder how big a role our recruitment played. when osu and michigan was in its hey day, woody hayes recounts that if he couldnt get a kid and he was considering um, he did his darndest to get the kid to nd. he often stated he was nd’s best recruiter…
Across The Face
by rb bruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
i wouldnt call Te'o to ND any sort of win
that’s what KD would’vve said….CRN expects to get these guys now and that’s why things are changing. However, I agree with you that ND is better than SC. But I’ll never be satisfied with a top recruit going elsewhere
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would call this a special case
I would love to have him, but with the mission thing, he might play as a freshmen, then be gone for two years. I think we need impact players immediately because of the bare cupboard left by KD. Plus, I think in 2012, when Te’o is back from his mission, CRN will have an incredibly strong roster of players.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Feb 4, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hawaii generally gets the LA/SoCal market games
It’s hooked up with FSN West and Prime Ticket as well so he would have been on ABC regional for SUC games whenever they were. I just think that he was too smart to waste his time and talent at SUC.
In other awesome news, Welcome Back Stan! I also hope the posters badmouthing him on certain unnamed message boards after he switched to Cal feel really bad about that too.
by Tydides on Feb 4, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
100% Agree
These are kids making a very tough decision being wooed by professionals. No need to bad mouth them.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't underestimate the bowl game factor
ND picked to play in the Hawaii Bowl this December and it paid off. There’s no doubt that Te’o played a bog part in that decision and it worked.
XSF hasn’t decided yet. As of yesterday it looked like he was favoring us, but Utah interviewed his high school coach for their offensive line coach opening last week. XSF may hold off on making his decision until he finds out whether his high school coach is hired. Today I’m hearing that’s still the case, but that USC is getting back in the picture and it’s a toss up. He’s probably going to end up at Utah and if he chooses to announce today, he will do so at 11 am on ESPNU.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Surprised about Te'o, but happy about Hasiak.
At least Te’o didn’t go to $C. Of course, why he would pick a floundering college coach with a history of blowing big games at a school where it snows half the season, I have no idea.
Enemy of my enemy, and all that. Good luck to him, and I hope he helps turn ND around while avoiding injury or just plain ol’ bad luck.
And YAY, we add a good OL recruit. That’s always a plus.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
ND will continue to get top recruits so long as they have National TV coverage
it’s an easy way to sell the team, ‘come here and you will not only get playing time, you will get it on a big stage every week’
by UCLAwyerr on Feb 4, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We got Todd Golper (MLB) out of Arcadia!
(Yep, plugging because my wife works there.)
6-0 1/2, 223 lbs. Known for good instincts, tackling ability, football IQ, and pass coverage. 4-star prospect and #9 ranking by Scout.com.
Maybe another Christian Taylor? One can hope…
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 9:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Haha
When I was talking to my friend about him, he made the Christian Taylor comparison too.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thing is, I got this from my WIFE.
They’re having a school pride rally tonight at the school. I think I’ll go in gear and welcome him aboard from the BruinsNation. Should I try to get an interview??? i can bring a dictaphone!
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 9:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let him know
BN appreciates him and Brehaut for helping to actively recruit this class.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 9:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds awesome!
Just let him know he’s going to be at the best school in the country and on Saturday’s he’ll have tens of thousands of Bruins supporting him!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thigpen to......
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 9:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Love it!
You’re all over it BlueReign!
I really loved Thigpen. He has all the tools except for size and I think he’s better than people give him credit for.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Something tells me
that Thiggy will make a Special Teams play in Knoxville stiking it to Lame Kiffin.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, THIS One
I’d followed, and I really like this kid.
Hooray!!
Love My Bruins
by Bruingirl83 on Feb 4, 2009 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
MJD II??
Doesn’t he bear a striking resemblance to might MJD minus the dreads???
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 10:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not so much
MJD is short, but he’s thick and like a bowling ball. MJD had no issue running through you. Thigpen isn’t MJD thick and he’s going to try and go around you.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Got it
Yeah I can definitely see the resemblance.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
SUC
just lost the linebacker (jenkins) to Florida, they lost Jeffrey to the real USC, and they also lost Te’o. We gained back Hasiak, which to me was the most important player. Losing Sanders isn’t that big a deal (don’t get me wrong, I would have liked him) because we got Tepa……so things are going well. I want Thigpen, XSF, and Carrol and things will be great. Getting Hasiak was HUGE though!! That is awesome, and SUC is losing people too. So far, so good.
by muircoach on Feb 4, 2009 9:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I have to admit
This is really fun. Keep it up everyone. Great work.
by Barnes2JJ on Feb 4, 2009 9:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Out in Honolulu
Hilliard is walking around the room in his UCLA hat and Toma not only has his UCLA hat on, but he has a blue shirt with yellow tie on!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 9:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not doubting that it's Bruin pride
But Punahou’s school colors are also blue and gold so he gets double the mileage out of his fashion choice.
by Tydides on Feb 4, 2009 9:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rye
Good find. Dohn is reporting that Koster has signed with UCLA.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
He’s going to need some time to develop, but there’s some talent hidden there.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Any other insight
Never heard of this kid? Totally out of left field for me.
Welcome Jared!
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He's a little undersized
He’s thick for his size, but only 6’1’’ so he’s going to need to hit the weight room to make up for it. I wouldn’t expect to see him on the field for a couple years, but he has a good motor and can be very good dropping into coverage.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
as ric flair would say
wooooooo!!!!
woulda been nice to get te’o, but i had prepared for it (apparently so did crn) but him going to nd was a pleasant surprise.
losing sanders kinda blows, but with tepa maka and graham coming in, im ok with it
thigpen, keeping sermons, and getting hasiak back- so far the day is shaping out nicely for us and horribly for trojies which is like chocolate covered toffee, doubly delicious. let’s keep it going!!!
Across The Face
by rb bruin on Feb 4, 2009 10:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
WeAreSC.com is reporting XSF to Utah
Nobody else has picked up on it yet so I’m not 100% sure about it, but I expected him to go to Utah so it makes sense.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Didn't they also have Te'o to USC?
Or am I mistaken?
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 10:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They predicted him to SC
but with XSF they’re reporting that he’s made up his mind. He’ll be announcing on ESPNU at 11 so we’ll know for sure soon enough.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cracking Me Up...
You guys…your enthusiasm is positively infectious! You actually have me following this.
Love My Bruins
by Bruingirl83 on Feb 4, 2009 10:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Signing Day
To me is like the moment right after you buy a lottery ticket when your imagination runs wild with the possibilities. Of course, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into realizing potential and developing football players, but it’s fun to revel in the moment when the sky is the limit.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 10:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I should have taken a sick day
I’m barely getting anything done
by Tydides on Feb 4, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My afternoon class was cancelled
so I thought I’d follow along and get some reading for Friday’s class done. I haven’t even picked up my book yet. Oh well, there’s time tomorrow for that.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt
The irresistible fragrances wafting from your kitchen in preparation for tonight’s BB game were a big influence on today’s recruiting. Thanks.
by Bruinut on Feb 4, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
…I’m at work, so if anything is baking in my oven it’s because some culinary-minded burglar has broken into my house.
I am making a pie tonight, though.
Love My Bruins
by Bruingirl83 on Feb 4, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Full List per Dohn
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Just noticed
Hasiak’s name is not on the list. Hmm…
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Hasiak signing the papers on the live feed
I’m not worrying about him anymore.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bunch of kids in one room in Hawaii
with one fax machine. Not a big concern.
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That
would be a cool photo.
Love My Bruins
by Bruingirl83 on Feb 4, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Been a wacky year
As long as there isn’t a reverse D. Price thing, I’m ok.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just means that Morgan Center has not processed his LOI yet
should be updated soon.
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dohn is sharing his notes....
I don’t think he knew for sure if Hasiak was coming so he left him off his pre-written synopsis of the incoming players.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
To recap the day thus far
Of the “soft verbals,” the Bruins held onto Keenan Graham, Eddie Williams and Brandon Sermons. The only commit we’ve lost is Billy Sanders who’s headed to Miami.
Manti Te’o decided on Notre Dame instead of us or USC. Stan Hasiak is back in the Bruins camp and Damien Thigpen picked UCLA.
Su’a-Filo and Carroll are still undecided.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Also
Jared Koster came out of left field and is a Bruin. He was previously committed to Colorado St. and was seemingly off our radar.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Carroll
If we get Carroll, I’m leaving the office, buying a nice cigar, and hitting the golf course.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Feb 4, 2009 10:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well he's not announcing until 6:30
How about a cigar and sitting down to watch UCLA hopefully beat SC tonight?
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tonight?
Has my mind been 100% occupied by football? I thought the game was tomorrow!
by AllHailMightyBruins on Feb 4, 2009 10:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Calling Fox
This sounds like one of Fox’s “workdays.”
by Barnes2JJ on Feb 4, 2009 10:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just back from the golf course
Very cold (around 60) and very windy. So I decided to only play 18.
It’s tough, I know.
by Fox 71 on Feb 4, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This could be a special class
Remember Coach Howland’s first recruiting class?
Farmar
Afflalo
Shipp
Mata-Real
That class changed the landscape of the Pac-10.
This class looks just as good. (In a football way) As I look at justSC’s recruiting class I’m wondering if ours could be better. After all at least one of SC’s 5 stars will transfer due to lack of PT.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 10:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The hardest step to take is always the first
We’re a long ways off still, but this is a big first step.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
u$c
As much as USC is reputed to land great recruiting classes, it’s hardly ever mentioned how many 5-star recruits go to South Central and never live up to the hype: Whitney Lewis, Jeff Byers, Jeff Schweiger, Derrick Jones, Patrick Turner, Avrell Spicer, Luther Brown, Charles Brown, Michael Coleman, Walker Ashley, David Ausberry, Josh Tatum…
I’m happy that our coaches are getting prospect to buy into the UCLA brand of football. These past two classes are coming to Westwood on a mission to restore those specal four letters.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
usc losses
can anyone recount the failures/disappointments usc has suffered today? I love hearing about that stuff, and I have read some in the comments, but don’t know how big a deal some of them are.
In other news, I can’t WAIT until next season! A lot of great news here. Can’t wait until the dust settles and we can really analyze how we have done compared to previous years, present need, and other schools in conference and around the country.
by sponkey21 on Feb 4, 2009 10:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
We all know Te'o picked ND
Also, Burfict switched and went with ASU. Ashley switched on them too and signed with S. Carolina, while Jenkins chose Florida. Their best news of the say is holding on to Moore.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
suc took a hit
but their class is still loaded. If they cleaned up on these guys, it would almost be criminal. They did get Telfort and Starling today. On a side note, suc got 5 safeties in McDonald, Hall, Metcalf, Moore and Starling. All but guaranteed that somebody is going to transfer in a year or two. Moore shouldn’t have drank the Kool-Aid and headed to ND or CU. Some of these guys never learn.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
They’re having a tough day, but that class was so good before today that they’re definitely not lacking talent. I’m just worried about what we do today. More than trying to match up with SC, we just need to infuse talent into our program.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Is Toma on the fence?
We’ve yet to hear that he signed his LOI and now there are rumors he’s going to go with Te’o to ND. I still think he ends up a Bruin, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I thought you said he was rocking the hat earlier
by Tydides on Feb 4, 2009 10:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be disappointed if Toma switched considering that when Chow began recruiting him he was completely unknown.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Feb 4, 2009 10:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He was
which is why I think he ends up a Bruin, but it’s just something to keep an eye on. Rumors like this are usually false, but in this recruiting year I’m not sure about anything until that LOI is faxed.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
The rumors are from Lemming, right? If so, I wouldn’t read too much into this because Lemming is a ND homer and taints everything towards the Domers. He bumps or knocks kid’s ratings based on their likelihood of landing at ND.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lemming and another place
whose link I just lost when switching from site to site. As I said, I think he ends up a Bruin, but nothing is sure until the LOi is faxed, especially this year.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
According to Dohn
XSF is leaning UCLA.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 10:38 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
if so
O-line…..wow, what can you say about Coach filling a need. it would be an enormous boost. With all the JC guys, we will be instantly improved, and with Hasiak and XSF we would be set up to get better the year after. Plus we will have options with so many guys to work with
by sponkey21 on Feb 4, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And D-line
We have some great talent coming in to keep the D-line strong. Great D-Ends, and a JC D-Tackle, all very highly regarded. Things look good, and I love the emphasis on the big men. They can turn the tide of a team.
by sponkey21 on Feb 4, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!
XSF has to see that with the Hasiak signing as well as the in flux skill players this year coupled last year’s great class, UCLA is going to be a great place to be in the coming years as CRN brings UCLA back to its rightful place.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the weird thing about SUC is they landed almost no offensive recruits
They have by far the best defensive class in the nation, but almost nothing on offense. A lineman, a qb, and a wr.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Feb 4, 2009 10:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
My take
I think players as well as coaches see that suc isn’t the same offensively since NC left. With all the 5 star talent that they accumulate, their offense should be a lot more explosive. Yet, they continue to rely on their defense to win them ball games. They weren’t great even when Lame and Sarky took over. Lots of highly touted guys never lived up to their billing. Now..nobody knows who the hell is running their offense and what their identity is going to be. They still have a lot of talent but I don’t think anybody knows whether they’ll be able to maximize it though.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree
USC’s offense has been stagnant ever since Chow left. With all the seemingly explosive weapons at their disposal, USC has become the Corvette in the slow lane driven by my grandma.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
True
Except the slow lane out West looks like the autobahn to the Big Ten.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Feb 4, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats on Hasiak and Sermons
Two guys I was keeping my fingers crossed that maybe, just maybe, would be wearing the Orange and Black next year. Great kids from everything I’ve read. You guys are putting together one hell of a signing class
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Feb 4, 2009 10:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
We should be hearing from XSF momentarily
I actually feel semi-confident about this one for no logical reason whatsoever. If you have a lucky shirt or lucky dance or anything, now’s the time to go with it.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Is he announcing on ESPNU?
Or somewhere else?
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey everyone, just joining the party.
B.F.
by eubruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Out in Tennessee
Kiffin is doing a pretty good job. For a guy who only had a couple months to recruit, he’s putting together an impressive class. He did well to hire guys from the south who already had ties to these recruits.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
si.com
article breaks down why Lame has been doing so well. I give him credit for being persistent but check out his staff. They are getting paid very, very well (going to change the salary structure for assts like the HC in waiting was used to bump up their salary) and he plucked the best recruiters from rival staffs. Gonna be fun seeing LSU/Tenn/FLA/Bama eat each other alive. They truly hate each other.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I second that
I’m exiled in SEC country. I can’t speak for all fans, but my boss (Florida) hates Alabama. The Auburn fans say Georgia is their second-biggest rival (outside of Alabama) and they aren’t that crazy about Tennessee.
But the best part, they all have told me that their most hated non-SEC team is SUC. I am not making this up.
by bruinbabe2000 on Feb 4, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i think having his dad on staff
made a HUGE difference, especially to defensive recruits. To have a chance to play for the guy who came up with the Cover-2 in the NFL? hard to pass that up
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
This is why we made such a big deal about UCLA being willing to pay assistants. We’re not going to pay what Tennessee does, but we needed to be competitive. You’re seeing today how important assistants are.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
DW singlehandedly saved KD’s classes in 06-08 that kept us from falling completely off the map. and now NC is doing his thing too
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
monte is a great asset
and a great coach but he didn’t invent the cover 2. it’s been around sincce forever and even monte isn’t that old. he didn’t even invent the tampa 2 scheme he’s been running in tampa. that was tony dungy and lovie smith’s creation
Across The Face
by rb bruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Scout.com
Just jumped UCLA 8 spots from #18 to #10 in national rankings.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 11:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
and imagine if we get XSF and/or carroll
both 4 star prospects in the top 10 in their position
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rankings means nothing
but it makes me happy anyways!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
second that
It doesn’t really mean anything on the field – but it could make next year’s recruits take notice that this is a program on the rise!
B.F.
by eubruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just like any poll in college football....
…its a positive publicity meter.
It says our recruiting class is currently the second most marketable in the pac 10.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
UCLA has received Hasiak's LOI
It’s official!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This is fun
I’m was never a huge recruiting guy but there’s nothing better than sitting at work watching the players roll in..
by zinlinez on Feb 4, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Can't quite express how happy
I am to see that. Good job Rye – you’ve been a beast recently with updates, analysis, predictions etc.
B.F.
by eubruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN2 just displayed
“Coming up: XSF – #3 OT. Makes his College Decision”
Can’t be too much longer to go.
B.F.
by eubruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad day
for a program which a certain all-access insider terms “a basketball school”
by godblesstyus95 on Feb 4, 2009 11:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not sure if anyone remembers
but the day I met coach Neu on the golf course was the day Hasiak announced he was going to Cal, and that day he told me that he thought we’d get him back to Westwood. The guy knows what he’s doing. Great news on the class so far though
O.A.
by Ollie on Feb 4, 2009 11:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I recall
your story. That was quite something. I have a feeling that most pundits wouldn’t have believed him… probably dismissed it as typical slick rick politiking. Let’s help spread the news that they were dead wrong and show our support for CRN. What an incredible development.
B.F.
by eubruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
really hoping XSF announces soon
seeing as I have class at 3 (eastern). I doubt I’ll learn much if i’m wondering what happened lol
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This suspense is killing me on XSF
Wasn’t he supposed to announce half an hour ago? Per Dohn’s blog, “the school is still waiting for offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo to get on campus so he can make his announcement.”
slow down, look up
by Point Guard 08 on Feb 4, 2009 11:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brilliant!
Good God – this is incredible.
B.F.
by eubruin on Feb 4, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't We Is SC
predict that he would go to Utah? Or indicate that he had “made up his mind” about going to Utah?
by Barnes2JJ on Feb 4, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
XSF is a Bruin
where he’ll join Hasiak and Capella, who just sent in his LOI. That’s a nice o-line haul!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Who's left?
Anyone on our radar who has yet to commit?
sjh
by Class of 66 on Feb 4, 2009 11:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
WR Randall Carroll
Cathedral HS, will announce this evening at 6:30 pm on FSN. Currently a soft verbal to USC.
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Morrell Carroll
WR out of Cathedral High-Los Angeles. Scout lists him as a soft verbal to USC, while the latest reports have him wavering between SC and UCLA (his mom is hoping for UCLA, for what that is worth).
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow!
I am riding a Blue & Gold wave right now. Tremendous props to our staff for their hard work and relentless drive to show these recruits what the vision of UCLA FB is.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 11:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
XSF to UCLA
Just announced on ESPN2
Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!
by gorams77 on Feb 4, 2009 11:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
What a GREAT day for UCLA football!!
I’m in class and almost let out a yell when XSF put that cap on. Can’t wait to go celebrate!!
by baybruin415 on Feb 4, 2009 11:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Is anyone else having trouble with the BN/SBN server?
It’s taking me foreverrrrr to load a page and post.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
National Server Issue
sbnation is experiencing lag across the board. Too many rabid fans from dozens of teams.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I am.
Heavy traffic day, I guess. Can’t imagine why…. nothing’s going on today, is there?
by Dexter Fishmore on Feb 4, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
same problem here
Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!
by gorams77 on Feb 4, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Alright
Just wanted to make sure it wasn’t me
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Carroll
Hopefully, Carroll will see the foundation being solidified for the explosive Norm Chow offense at UCLA. I think Carroll would rather be the one racking up yards under Chow than be the one trying to stop it.
by ishXdavid on Feb 4, 2009 11:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
If I were Carroll
I’d play DB. He’s so good that he can play either side of the ball, but I think his best shot in the NFL will be at corner. What do I know though? If he wants to play WR then go for it…especially if he goes for in in blue and gold!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
New BS recruiting rankings coming out in 5 minutes
scout.com
I think XSF will put us around 8. Whatever that means.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 11:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
7 or 8, with a chance with Carroll this evening
Not bad at all.
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It means I'll recognize its stupidity
then get a goofy grin on my face anyways
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's just a publicity meter
The only clear indicator during the off season of how well Coach Neu is doing.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hilliard and McKay have sent in their LOI's
but Toma’s is missing.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Toma
supposedly now has an offer from ND. The rumors may be true and with Manti going to ND, he just might follow. I don’t consider this a huge loss. Thigpen has me more excited. We have a lot of WR’s and the 2010 class is filled with studs so I’m ok with it.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now! #7
In the BS, publicity driven, how’s Coach Neu doing poll.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 12:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Updated Scout recruiting ranking - UCLA at #7
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 12:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
When Toma decommits we're back to 10
Cue goofy frown on ryebreadraz’s face.
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If you'd have told me before the day that we'd be #10
I’d take it in a heartbeat. Hasiak, plus XSF and Thigpen. I love it.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We now have 25 commits
assuming everyone who was committed stays (Sanders excluded). Don’t count on getting more than 2 of our 4 JC guys in though, with 3 tops so there’s room for Carroll if he wants in.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Toma is apparently gonna flip
to ND, per Dohn. Dohn’s been well and truly on his game this recruiting season so this is a distinct possibility. I guess he and Manti REALLY want to play together.
by bruinmike on Feb 4, 2009 12:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well Dohn is just saying that there are rumors he's going to flip
He hasn’t heard anything official or even anything from a source so we’re still not sure, but who knows at this point.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think
we’d all trade a Sanders/Toma for a Hasiak/XSF any day of the week. We desperately needed the influx of talent on the OL.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is true
It’s the paradox of recruiting. I love stealing other schools’ recruits but I hate when they steal ours. At the end of the day it’s all about UCLA. :)
by bruinmike on Feb 4, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And I’d rather lose them to ND than SC.
by baybruin415 on Feb 4, 2009 12:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
passion bucket runneth over
aw man, that xsf get was huuuuuge. so much for all that neuheisel can’t recruit lineman, or chow doesn’t like to recruit, hmmm? i think it’d be kinda janky for toma to flip, chow offered him when he was on nobody’s radar, to the point that must thought it was a ploy to lure te’o. but whatever will be will be. however i have to wonder how hawaiian kids expect out of a transition to the snow, we ain’t talking about hawaiian ices in south bend. but if we get carroll in place of toma, could ease my pain =)
i wantedt jump on here as soon as xsf flipped on the hat apparently everyone else was just as excited as me, haha.
Across The Face
by rb bruin on Feb 4, 2009 12:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
The Toma rumors
have been going around for a few hours in a few places. Seems like a legit possibility. He’s Te’o’s best friend.
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 12:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
How could that be?
UCLA fans don’t care about football remember?
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So my friend just called me about Koster
He said that we may use him at defensive end. He’d be an undersized linebacker so they’re thinking he could put on some weight and play as an undersized end who can rush the passer with elite speed.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure he's that fast
but he could play in that same role.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm...
Caught me totally by surprise. I would think that we would have stood pat since we are over the 85 schoolie limit already prior to today I believe. Wonder how the numbers are going to work.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There's a possible medical retirement or two out there
and a transfer or two looming. Nothing major, but we’ll clear room.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dohn on the JC defensive tackle Warner
Can’t sign his LOI because he has an unpaid bill (what!?). UCLA is saving his scholarship.
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 12:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Most likely
and this is just me guessing, he didn’t pay a bill for his JC classes and until he does, his grades aren’t official.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, that makes a lot of sense
I was wondering why UCLA would care that he didn’t pay his water bill.
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 12:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if that's the case
Again, I’m just guessing
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
All we need today is
for RC to sign at 3:30 and pound the living crap out of weissc at pauley tonight.
by bruin578 on Feb 4, 2009 12:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Carroll is signing at 6:30 pacific
It’ll be on FSN Prime Ticket’s High School Spotlight Show.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love to see Lindsay Soto's reaction
if he signs an NLI to UCLA. :)
by Raisin on Feb 4, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Snarky eye roll or bitch slap
I have bitch slap at +450, good odds if you can get them.
I also have toss UCLA hat off his head and put on USC hat for him at +700.
by bruinmike on Feb 4, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So the early afternoon line is...
… stutter for 5-10 seconds and repeatedly ask “are you sure?” – 2-1
… stand with mouth agape while Farnham takes over anchor duties – 5-1
… choke back tears – 10-1
… snarky eye roll – 12-1
… try to cut his mike off – 30-1
… knock the hat off – 75-1
… lamely try to knock his block off – 100-1
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Even if, if, IF we get no more LOIs other than what we have been promised so far...
… this has to be the most memorable, most fun, most thrilling Signing Day we’ve had in years. KUDOS to Kirk and Spock (aka CRN and NC) and the rest of our staff for bringing in guys on BOTH sides of the ball… esp. the LINEMEN, THANK GOD!
MAJOR PROPS to rye, Blue Reign, Ty, N, and all the regulars who’ve been keeping us updated (esp. as I’’ve been doing conference calls all morning…)
MIM
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 12:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget
to remember the contributions of DW. He had an integral part in this class as well.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
From espn's chat
Chris (Los Angeles, CA): Where do you think UCLA recruiting class will end up ranking? Were you surprised about Hasiak, Thigpen, and Su’a Filo committing today? Do you see Randall Carroll joining them?
SportsNation Billy Tucker: (3:47 PM ET ) I think they will definitely challenge for a top-25 class which says a lot about what they did down the stretch.
SportsNation Billy Tucker: (3:48 PM ET ) I was surprised with Su’a-Filo but OC Norm Chow is a better recruiter than people realize.
by haster123 on Feb 4, 2009 12:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Did I miss anything
Just got here for the first time today…did I miss anything?!?!?! JK!!! What a great day. Everyone knows that having a good football team starts by having a good OL and having Hasiak and XSF (what a great acronym) will surely help next season. Now if we can just have a Carroll commitment right before we dust justSC at Pauley tonight, this may go down as one of the best days in UCLA sports this decade.
by bruinponcho on Feb 4, 2009 12:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Said it before, and I'll say it again...
The engine of a team’s offense is ALWAYS its LINE.
And boy, oh boy, we just added three of our best OL recruits in YEARS, PLUS some solid-sounding JC transfers, too.
Watch out below, Pac-10. We’re running OVER your D-lines pretty soon.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
and our D-Line
Looking pretty good if we get the spot for Warner. Kennard and Tepa should be fun to watch. I really hope Warner settles his debts and gets on board, he can jump right in with Price next year.
by sponkey21 on Feb 4, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Think
you meant Graham. Don’t forget that Allmond and Williams (if he gets in) may be switched to the DL. I also think we’re going to see tremendous improvement from Datone. He really held his own as a TFR last year. Hopefully Holmes is ready to contribute as well this year.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Graham
Looking forward to seeing both lines be stout next year, that will change a LOT. I think that we would have won a few more games with just a better O line. Next year can’t come soon enough.
by sponkey21 on Feb 4, 2009 1:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Time to re-run "the ad"
Add in the names of our recruits.
by Westwood Wizard on Feb 4, 2009 12:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think we re-run the ad when
we beat sc and win a Pac 10 championship.
All of this is great, and I’m excited about the potential — but it is only potential.
The monopoly will be over when we prove it on the field.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Feb 4, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts exactly
This has been an extremely satisfying and promising day for the future of UCLA football. But it’s only potential as Class of 66 just emphasized. When that potential comes to fruition under the tutelage of CRN and his staff, we can look back on today with great pride and say that our program is out from the shadows and on center stage where it belongs.
by bruinmike on Feb 4, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember "The Dirty Dozen"?
When Donald Sutherland inspected Col. Breed’s troops, he said “Very pretty, Colonel, very pretty. But can they fight?”
I’m as happy as anyone that we got these guys, but I think we’ll be required to actually play the games before we’re declared champions of anything. But it sure is nice to be talking about who we got instead of who we didn’t get.
by Fox 71 on Feb 4, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa….hold on there buddy. We got a ways to go and suc still brought in a hellavu class today. I KNOW we’ll get there but there is a lot of work that still needs to be done. Hopefully our guys are working hard in the offseason program.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess irony doesn't translate well
Slightly exaggerating.
by Westwood Wizard on Feb 4, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Over at New Mexico St. DW is doing a solid job
He has 5 or 6 3 star guys coming in, which is pretty good for a program like NMSU. He also only had a month to recruit so he was way behind. Hopefully DW brings in a good class next year and gets that program going.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 1:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Probably a little too early to tell..
..but which of these recruits, if any, can have a serious impact next year? The real impact will probably come in 2-3 years but for fun, how does this class (excluding Carroll for now) improve next year’s team?
by zinlinez on Feb 4, 2009 1:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
offensive line
without a doubt, having those guys will be important giving the state of it
by blinkshot on Feb 4, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the OL impact next year will be on the field...
… but rather in practice, giving our DL guys a bunch of big, quick kids to go to battle against, and also in terms of pushing our returning OL players.
Depth is important both on game day AND the rest of the week.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
by Meriones on Feb 4, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I could see Pollard making an impact as a nickel back next year
and Sermons could be on the two deep at safety. Keenan Graham needs to get stronger, but he could be a good third down defensive end. On offense, Morrell Presley is the guy to watch. He is behind two solid guys in Moya and Paulsen, but Chow will be creative with Presley and use him as a H-back and splitting him out wide. There’s the JC guys like Warner who could make an impact, but don’t expect any freshmen to make an impact on the o-line. If they do, then our o-line is in a lot of trouble. It’s really, really, tough for freshmen to start at all and to get time on the o-line is nearly impossible.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 1:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Is it safe to say....
…the monopoly on good recruits in now over. ?
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 1:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nope
The Trojans expect to sign Manti Te’o of Honolulu this morning. Some recruiting services consider him the top linebacker in the nation.
Nope
Offensive lineman Xavier Su’a Filo of Provo, Utah, rated the 63 rd-best player in the nation, will decide today between USC and Utah.
Nope
And in December, tight end Morrell Presley switched from USC to UCLA.
Yup
by Bruins913 on Feb 4, 2009 1:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Immediate Impact?
I took a quick look at the stat’s on some of the line men and with the exception of the JC guys, they look like they’ll need a year or so to get bigger.
Do you think we red shirt them or is our situation so desperate that we let them play and grow at the same time?
sjh
by Class of 66 on Feb 4, 2009 1:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
CRN is Amazing
Scout has the Bruins’ class ranked seventh! That’s not counting the potential get of Carroll. I am so excited I can hardly contain it. This is from a 4-8 team from a year ago. Big kudos all around for CRN and his staff.
richramus
by richramus on Feb 4, 2009 1:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
two years in a row
with a top 10 recruiting class if I remember correctly. Thats building a base for you. The infusion of JC O linemen will make a nice immediate impact too. I especially like that we aren’t just using them like a bandaid on a hemorrhage, we are also bringing in fantastic freshmen to fix it long term. A few more years and we will be fighting at the top. Next year I hope for a winning season, maybe even 8-4 instead of 4-8. I have said it a few times here already, but I CANNOT WAIT!!!
by sponkey21 on Feb 4, 2009 1:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Scout lists our offensive line class as #5 overall
An excellent sign for the rebuilding process of the unit.
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 4:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
offensive linemen rarely play as true freshmen
what we will see next year is last years line, plus Kia Miavia from Colorado plus Sean Sheller off injury plus connor bradford plus the JC guys. We should be good not great.
I would redshirt the linemen exept for X man who is going on a mission, so won’t need it.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
XSF going on a mission?
So he plays a year then takes off for two before coming back – Is that the way it works? I ask cause not sure how it works.
Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!
by gorams77 on Feb 4, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
then he’ll have 3 years remaining – unless we RS him next year
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Maivia is the guy
i’m most excited about. Everything I’ve heard about him has been positive.
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just got word that Toma will be a Bruin
I haven’t found a news source yet to confirm it, but it looks like we’re going to hold on to the little Hawaiian.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 1:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Good to hear
Just want to confirm that the scholarship count (factoring in prospective transfers/medicals) would not affect Carroll signing an LOI, if he were to switch to UCLA.
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
When you're a guy like Carroll
a team finds room for you. No worries about getting him in.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that's why guys are enrolling early as well
their scholarships get transfered into last years class to make room for this year
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Figured as much
Just wondering if any arm twisting or other accommodation needed to occur within the team in order to hit 85.
by bruinhoo on Feb 4, 2009 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
as it should be
First of all I can’t see one let alone two island boys in South Bend, Please! Next, assuming they wanted to play together, after season one, Teo takes off for his mission, and Toma stays there for the next couple of years by himself? Anyway, they are so different, they need to do what is right for each of them. A big middle linebacker will get his props almost anyway. A small, nifty receiver, should take a whiff of the coconut tanning oil and go with an OC under Chow who has proven to make Giant killer out of people like Toma.
I also can’t help wondering how close we were to getting OL Phillips? Or if he had waited would what happen today, have changed his mind?
by tru-bleu on Feb 4, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
assuming you mean michael phillip
i don’t think very close. I thought we were in second before he committed to OSU, but I thought we were behind Stanford. The second he got admitted to Stanford I figured he was gone.
by bucknellbruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
dohn
is reporting the same thing
Across The Face
by rb bruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
As of 1:40 pm
Every commit besides Sanders and all of today’s announcers have sent in their LOI’s except for Toma, JC OL Shawn Johnson and JC OL Branden Warner. Johnson was a long shot to ever qualify academically and Warner has a bill to pay according to Dohn, but he reassured us that he will be a Bruin. Toma is the only guy left in question and I’m hearing he’ll be signing his LOI any moment now.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 1:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Holy Wow!
Just got online – what a great day!! I’m happiest about the talent coming in at OL. Clearly it our weakest area last year. Not only did the coaching staff both recognize it (not hard to do), they addressed it in a big way (very hard to do, esp with thugU across town).
We’re in a very nasty spiral here: a new enthusiastic respected coaching staff
→ creates a new enthusiasm about the program
→ attracts some talent and character guys who want to build on that foundation
→ improves the play on the field (e.g., our D last year)
→ increases the enthusiasm aboout the program
→ attracts more talent and character guys today…
Nasty for everyone else in the Pac-10. I can’t wait to see how these guys affect the play on the field over the next 3-4+ years!
Thank you CRN. Thank you OCNC. Must give thanks still to FDCDW for his role in this. Thanks to all the position coaches and other staff. And especially, thank you to all the new Bruins who have dared to get on board early, believing that this rocket is gonna blast off. It’s gonna be a great ride!!
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
by gbruin on Feb 4, 2009 1:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
thank OLCP also. I'm sure he played a role in those OL recruits.
by popopapa on Feb 4, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely right!
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
by gbruin on Feb 4, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Carroll
Any word other than he’s verbal to USC but his obviously intelligent mother prefers UCLA?
by AllHailMightyBruins on Feb 4, 2009 1:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nothing new on Carroll
It’s us and SC as the favorites with Arizona St. the dark horse. That’s really all there is and all we can do now is wait until 6:30.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
also just off work and have to say..
I read through the entire thread and you guys have been having all the fun today. Great day for CRN, the team, and all of BN! Thanks for the posts. Come on Toma, sign that LOI to the #1 athletic school in the nation. You don’t want to slosh around in the midwestern snow for the next four or five years , with a potential lame duck coach.
by popopapa on Feb 4, 2009 2:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Don't want to poop
but a guy I was hoping UCLA could fight for in 2010 just verballed to ND.
http://ucla.scout.com/a.z?s=12&p=2&c=836691
We’ll be fine though.
by BlueReign on Feb 4, 2009 2:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Come on Blue
don’t let that rain on your parade today! Nothing is going to bring me down, and September can’t get here soon enough. But Blue, again these are NEU times, and just because a kid commits early, be it to our cross town rivals, Buckeyes, Fighting Irish, Florida, Texas…..it doesn’t matter okay, we are still in the hunt all the way to LOI day next year. I’ll let you go with this nice thought, Morrell Pressley was also an early commit to you know who, and where did he end up?
by tru-bleu on Feb 4, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Our boys
CRN and staff have a year to work on next year group…..starting tomorrow! But, I’ve said it back in the fall, next years class will be more national in scope and the fence around southern cal keeping our local recruits at home just got a lot taller!
by tru-bleu on Feb 4, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
feeling pretty good
I am a patient man, and while I would love to see today’s signings result in wins next season but I think the real measure will be when we kick those Trojans butts in 2010 and 2011 and go to back to back Rose Bowls.
To quote Coach Wooden, "It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it."
Go Bruins
TRM
by G0Bruins on Feb 4, 2009 2:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
"Carroll is favoring UCLA at this moment."
According to “a couple” of Dohn’s sources.
http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2009/02/carroll-to-ucla.html
by Westwood Wizard on Feb 4, 2009 2:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
But Toma is also wavering again
According to that same note.
by bruinmike on Feb 4, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What the...
He must have edited—that bit wasn’t on there when I grabbed the link.
by Westwood Wizard on Feb 4, 2009 2:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously nothing will be official until tonight
but someone I talked to said that they feel very, very good about Carroll.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 2:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Don't get crumbly ryebread
I feel very, very good about Carroll too, but I don’t know anything!
by tru-bleu on Feb 4, 2009 2:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'll say this much
If the guy I talked to is feeling good, so is the coaching staff.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just kidding
you have been on all year long Rye, I knew you were getting your news from a source you could count on. I just couldn’t resist at the end of this long day of tennis watching (back and forth), that one post was worded awfully….how do I say it…..National Enquirerish! But honestly Rye, as usual thanks for all the first class input.
by tru-bleu on Feb 4, 2009 2:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha yeah
I wish I could say more about who I’m talking to and exactly what I’m hearing, but obviously I can’t. I’m just excited about this recruiting class and as hectic as it gets trying to follow everything that goes on in recruiting, it’s fun following future Bruins!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 4, 2009 3:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
With regards to Carroll
They could be talking about Pete or Randall.
Our Offensive Line class is ranked 5th according to scout.com
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 2:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
just got a break between classes
good to hear all the news, is there anywhere i can watch espnu streaming online???
or for that matter anywhere else that is showing coverage of this
by uclabruin34 on Feb 4, 2009 2:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
There isn't one up yet
I’ll post it in the game thread if i find one
by alcor805 on Feb 4, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs