Almost a "Rudy" story at UCLA

I've been trying to get permission to post an article from my local newspaper and it just today got, well, 'kinda' resolved. I cannot link the entire story since the paper's online policy is to have viewers pay to access content. So, here's the compromise... I can post what the editor emailed me, but you will have to pay (he said about $1.00) to see the rest which I will summarize later.

First the allowed portion of the article:

Hollywood produced the movie "Rudy." UCLA may have the sequel: "Justin."

While the stories vary, the plot remains the same: Fulfilling a gridiron dream in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Rudy Ruettiger played only two plays for Notre Dame in 1975 - his only year on the team after struggling for more than three years, academically, to get into the school. On his second play in the only contest he ever played for the Irish, Ruettiger sacked Georgia Tech quarterback Rudy Allen on the game's final play - prompting his teammates to carry him off the field - a first in the history of Golden Domer football.

Justin Fareed would like to get into a Bruins' game this season, even if it's just for one play.

As a senior, Fareed is back where he wants to be - back in a place he had said goodbye to for good in 2008: UCLA's practice field.

"It was a dream of mine to come here and play football ever since I was a little kid," Fareed said. "Unfortunately my career was cut short because of an injury, but so many different things came together to bring me back out here onto the field."

my summary and link after jump...

My summary ...

Justin's knee injury was bad enough to require 4 surgeries and have doctors say he would never play again. Well, he worked countless hours to get in shape by playing pickup basketball at the Wooden Center, but not necessarily to get back onto the team. Just weeks ago (probably more than a month by now), running backs coach Moses suggested Justin go talk to CRN.

"Freezer", as Justin was tabbed by teammates in his freshman year, said CRN wasted no time in looking into his eligibility to clear him to play. Long story short, Justin is now on the scout team because of his desire to rehab his knee and because CRN appreciates that kind of dedication.

There were quotes from CRN, Mike Harris and Ryan Taylor praising and rooting for the Freezer to get just one live action play during any game.

CRN..." You never rule it out"..."Remember, I was a walk-on"..."If there's an opportunity and he's ready, absolutely, we'll get him a chance".

So, look out for number 31 in the backfield some game we have locked up and tip him a beer when you do.