My fear is that focusing on HS recruits will just lead us to developing players for other programs (ie, Dante Moore). I don't see a better option, but I wonder if we will function as the "JV" team for other better funded programs.
The top teams are still going after high school recruits, because they are on average “cheaper” than a transfer and you can build up a relationship with them for a longer period of time, which lets you get some discounts later.
Unlike with college basketball, I do think high school recruiting is still important for getting players developed the right way.
but aren't we talking about the blue blood programs who are going after 5 stars? Those players will of course play and make an impact immediately. But the mid to lower tier four stars (recruits the rest of the country goes after) usually don't make much of an impact anyway. I suppose if you are UCLA these players are going to play right away out of necessity.
Like this QB we just flipped from AZ does not strike me as someone who is ready to play at all his freshman year and maybe not his sophomore year. By the time he is ready to compete, we'll have a starter already in place and he'll look for a program that will hand him the starting job just like Justyn Martin is going to do. Therefore, it's nice "momentum" to flip a four star, but he'll probably never see the field for UCLA.
Texas, the team that just landed the #1 recruiting class this cycle, has 5 five-stars, 14 four-stars, and 6 three-stars. Even blue bloods are still grabbing guys with the hope they can develop them. Then they use the transfer portal to plug holes. UCLA realistically needs to get to that level, which would hopefully translate to more winning and then more NIL available to keep people.
I agree about texas, but the #1 ranking is a function more of the 5 five stars and quality of four stars. Doesn't NIL factor a lot into snagging that level of high school recruit? I don't think UCLA has any hope whatsoever of ever recruiting at that level with its current NIL.
that's just the way it is now. players in the past were essentially trapped at their schools. Now they can move and you just have to develop a system that allows for it.
he sure is developing well at Oregon /s there is an incoming 4-star QB and a 5-star QB as well as another redshirt on the roster. IDK if Moore will even get a shot.
I will say (not that this is a surprise because he couldn’t do anything else)…but CDF grew on field and has been willing to pivot quickly with the coaching staff. I’m concerned about who will be the OL coach…but the hiring of Sunseri and return of Demetrice Martin are excellent hires from a recruiting standpoint.
We need to turn things around though and fast. I hope this inspires donors to at least send a little cash to get us to a competitive level. I hope at least try to prove we can overachieve with a little investment
As regards Chip Kelly…I remember early in his time at Oregon I used to love his halftime, on-the-field interviews; he was clearly annoyed having to talk to some chickadee as opposed to going to the locker room to fix the blocking on the counter, and when he did answer the sometimes (admittedly inane) questions, his responses were pure poppycock that would have been proudly blathered by any political spokesperson.
So when the “new” Chip, came to Westwood, I was kind of amazed that he’d become something of a cuddly teddy bear, far more communicative and approachable…only problem was, he seemed to have lost any ability he may have had to run a program. They always say “good coaches don’t forget how to coach”, but…refusing to adapt to constantly shifting landscapes now found in college football can make even a smart coach look silly. Good lesson for whomever the next UCLA AD and GM who will inevitably be looking for Foster’s replacement soon: give it a little extra effort to look for the next Lanning or Dillingham, rather than settling on giving a lot of money to a “name” coach who probably wouldn’t be available if he still had his fastball.
As regards restocking the team’s talent: no reason to overthink it, this team has shockingly little talent, so anyone who can run, throw, block or tackle should not only be brought in but given a chance to play, no matter how many stars they had or whatever NIL they negotiated. This program is as weak as it’s been in many years, but as teams show every year (Indiana, ASU) ignore the naysayers and overachieve; UCLA will need to do the same. Does the program have the leadership to do it ?
Chipster Alfraud is a complete unmitigated a** and dumpster fire. I could not stand him as a person or coach. Nothing, absolutely nothing about him is redeeming. He inherited a great team ot O. Phil Knight threw ungodly money at him and players. CA cheated in recruiting. What a guy!
Have you ever been to U of Oregon - the campus is ugly, rundown in many places, and academics suck. But the althletic facilities are beyond stellar. Tells you all you need to know
Coach Fos is the exact opposite of CA when it comes to character, passion, will to succeed and love for his school and the Bruin community. If he shows improvement this next season, which I believe he will, he will not be fired - I will be so happy for him, and grateful for his willingness and humility in learning and developing.
Coach Fos was the first in a long long time, to fire bad 'coaches' in EB and Juan. Chipster hung on to his loser BFF DC forever. Chipster had zero love for UCLA and was a self absorbed greedy POS. Nope, Coach Fos is not the new 'CA.' And he is not a cuddly teddy bear either when it comes to wanting success...
When a person makes a bad hire and then rights the ship, that person shows a lot of courage and integrity. Coach Fos did just that. Period.
Coach Fos was also left with a bare cupboard as well due to Jelly 2.0's complete failure in his decision to not fire CA in a timely manner. Jelly 2.0 is a failure on many fronts but it was a huge blunder when he let CA stay.
Yes Coach Fos is inexperienced, but the exact opposite of being a loser on any level. Being a HC is vastly different than being a position coach, and it takes time to fix the failed program that Chipster left us. I think Tino is a homerun hire and will help with recruiting, NIL etc.
First, the Chipster. Anyone who watched the Ohio St - Michigan game this year got their definitive answer on the Chipster, he is worse than EB! That had to be one of the worst OC called games ever witnessed. The Chipster had a few good years at Oregon after inheriting a very successful program from Mike Belotti, but it was the roots of Belloti's program that made the Chipster successful, not the Chipster himself. Let's face it, the Chipster is the premier leech of college football. I think he still is getting checks from the 49ers and perhaps even the Ducks!
As for CDF, he is way over his head here. I actually feel sorry for him because he was thrown into a horrible situation and really had no way of improving it and still doesn't. You need a solid oline and dline and a decent QB to win and he has none of these nor, it appears, will he have any decent oline, dline or QB for the foreseeable future.
If you take a close look at next year's schedule, you are again looking at 5-7 or 4-8 year and because of the make-up of the big ten, I'm not sure UCLA will ever win more than 4-5 games under CDF. Of course, then you may ask, "Who could do better?". Sadly, having to deal with the football program culture UCLA has been experiencing in more than a decade now, probably nobody.
so glad that Bieniemy is gone. He was never good in the NFL with his vanilla offenses. In Kansas City, it was Andy Reid running the offense. When I heard he was coming to UCLA, I accepted only because there weren't options so late in the cycle.
i always thought it was very strange that he was touted as the next up and coming NFL coach. He interviewed with so many teams and nobody was interested. So they had to blame his skin color when it was obviously something else. Not impressed that he was OC for a great offense led by Patrick Mahomes. Just like I am not impressed with what Chip Kelly did at Oregon or Pete Carroll (who actually is a great coach however) did at USC with their rosters.
With the caveat that I have no idea how it played out... I was at the Penn State game and while he played reasonably well given the circumstances, it's pretty clear he's going to have better opportunities at a G5 school than at UCLA. Given that Martin graduated and DSF has been pretty clear about "needing to get a QB in here" as he said on signing day, I wouldn't be surprised if Foster was honest with him in the same way Cronin was with Will McClendon.
As I said in a different thread, I hope we get a higher quality of transfer QB than a Garbersesque retread like Mertz or DJU and I'm pretty happy about flipping McDaniel - perhaps Sunseri's arrival is the start of some sorely needed fresh air
I noticed you devoted more of your analysis to o-line than any other position. I agree, every good thing flows from a good o-line.
The NIL is a disgrace.
We should make a serious play for Thomas Castellanos, the outstanding dual threat QB from Boston College, who is in the portal.
I’ve watched enough Castellanos over the past two years to know I will rip my hair out if I’m forced to cover him for UCLA football.
My fear is that focusing on HS recruits will just lead us to developing players for other programs (ie, Dante Moore). I don't see a better option, but I wonder if we will function as the "JV" team for other better funded programs.
The top teams are still going after high school recruits, because they are on average “cheaper” than a transfer and you can build up a relationship with them for a longer period of time, which lets you get some discounts later.
Unlike with college basketball, I do think high school recruiting is still important for getting players developed the right way.
but aren't we talking about the blue blood programs who are going after 5 stars? Those players will of course play and make an impact immediately. But the mid to lower tier four stars (recruits the rest of the country goes after) usually don't make much of an impact anyway. I suppose if you are UCLA these players are going to play right away out of necessity.
Like this QB we just flipped from AZ does not strike me as someone who is ready to play at all his freshman year and maybe not his sophomore year. By the time he is ready to compete, we'll have a starter already in place and he'll look for a program that will hand him the starting job just like Justyn Martin is going to do. Therefore, it's nice "momentum" to flip a four star, but he'll probably never see the field for UCLA.
Texas, the team that just landed the #1 recruiting class this cycle, has 5 five-stars, 14 four-stars, and 6 three-stars. Even blue bloods are still grabbing guys with the hope they can develop them. Then they use the transfer portal to plug holes. UCLA realistically needs to get to that level, which would hopefully translate to more winning and then more NIL available to keep people.
I agree about texas, but the #1 ranking is a function more of the 5 five stars and quality of four stars. Doesn't NIL factor a lot into snagging that level of high school recruit? I don't think UCLA has any hope whatsoever of ever recruiting at that level with its current NIL.
that's just the way it is now. players in the past were essentially trapped at their schools. Now they can move and you just have to develop a system that allows for it.
If only chip had actually bothered to "develop" Dante Moore...
he sure is developing well at Oregon /s there is an incoming 4-star QB and a 5-star QB as well as another redshirt on the roster. IDK if Moore will even get a shot.
i mean.....they are actually developing him.
the idea that we developed Dante Moore is very funny
I will say (not that this is a surprise because he couldn’t do anything else)…but CDF grew on field and has been willing to pivot quickly with the coaching staff. I’m concerned about who will be the OL coach…but the hiring of Sunseri and return of Demetrice Martin are excellent hires from a recruiting standpoint.
We need to turn things around though and fast. I hope this inspires donors to at least send a little cash to get us to a competitive level. I hope at least try to prove we can overachieve with a little investment
As regards Chip Kelly…I remember early in his time at Oregon I used to love his halftime, on-the-field interviews; he was clearly annoyed having to talk to some chickadee as opposed to going to the locker room to fix the blocking on the counter, and when he did answer the sometimes (admittedly inane) questions, his responses were pure poppycock that would have been proudly blathered by any political spokesperson.
So when the “new” Chip, came to Westwood, I was kind of amazed that he’d become something of a cuddly teddy bear, far more communicative and approachable…only problem was, he seemed to have lost any ability he may have had to run a program. They always say “good coaches don’t forget how to coach”, but…refusing to adapt to constantly shifting landscapes now found in college football can make even a smart coach look silly. Good lesson for whomever the next UCLA AD and GM who will inevitably be looking for Foster’s replacement soon: give it a little extra effort to look for the next Lanning or Dillingham, rather than settling on giving a lot of money to a “name” coach who probably wouldn’t be available if he still had his fastball.
As regards restocking the team’s talent: no reason to overthink it, this team has shockingly little talent, so anyone who can run, throw, block or tackle should not only be brought in but given a chance to play, no matter how many stars they had or whatever NIL they negotiated. This program is as weak as it’s been in many years, but as teams show every year (Indiana, ASU) ignore the naysayers and overachieve; UCLA will need to do the same. Does the program have the leadership to do it ?
Chipster Alfraud is a complete unmitigated a** and dumpster fire. I could not stand him as a person or coach. Nothing, absolutely nothing about him is redeeming. He inherited a great team ot O. Phil Knight threw ungodly money at him and players. CA cheated in recruiting. What a guy!
Have you ever been to U of Oregon - the campus is ugly, rundown in many places, and academics suck. But the althletic facilities are beyond stellar. Tells you all you need to know
Coach Fos is the exact opposite of CA when it comes to character, passion, will to succeed and love for his school and the Bruin community. If he shows improvement this next season, which I believe he will, he will not be fired - I will be so happy for him, and grateful for his willingness and humility in learning and developing.
Coach Fos was the first in a long long time, to fire bad 'coaches' in EB and Juan. Chipster hung on to his loser BFF DC forever. Chipster had zero love for UCLA and was a self absorbed greedy POS. Nope, Coach Fos is not the new 'CA.' And he is not a cuddly teddy bear either when it comes to wanting success...
When a person makes a bad hire and then rights the ship, that person shows a lot of courage and integrity. Coach Fos did just that. Period.
Coach Fos was also left with a bare cupboard as well due to Jelly 2.0's complete failure in his decision to not fire CA in a timely manner. Jelly 2.0 is a failure on many fronts but it was a huge blunder when he let CA stay.
Yes Coach Fos is inexperienced, but the exact opposite of being a loser on any level. Being a HC is vastly different than being a position coach, and it takes time to fix the failed program that Chipster left us. I think Tino is a homerun hire and will help with recruiting, NIL etc.
First, the Chipster. Anyone who watched the Ohio St - Michigan game this year got their definitive answer on the Chipster, he is worse than EB! That had to be one of the worst OC called games ever witnessed. The Chipster had a few good years at Oregon after inheriting a very successful program from Mike Belotti, but it was the roots of Belloti's program that made the Chipster successful, not the Chipster himself. Let's face it, the Chipster is the premier leech of college football. I think he still is getting checks from the 49ers and perhaps even the Ducks!
As for CDF, he is way over his head here. I actually feel sorry for him because he was thrown into a horrible situation and really had no way of improving it and still doesn't. You need a solid oline and dline and a decent QB to win and he has none of these nor, it appears, will he have any decent oline, dline or QB for the foreseeable future.
If you take a close look at next year's schedule, you are again looking at 5-7 or 4-8 year and because of the make-up of the big ten, I'm not sure UCLA will ever win more than 4-5 games under CDF. Of course, then you may ask, "Who could do better?". Sadly, having to deal with the football program culture UCLA has been experiencing in more than a decade now, probably nobody.
💯 spot in regarding Chipster. Perhaps I have 'rose' bowl colored glasses but I hold more optimism for Foster... Next season is pivotal.
what a tough schedule next year. 4 wins may be optimistic. But won't that be the case every year?
so glad that Bieniemy is gone. He was never good in the NFL with his vanilla offenses. In Kansas City, it was Andy Reid running the offense. When I heard he was coming to UCLA, I accepted only because there weren't options so late in the cycle.
i always thought it was very strange that he was touted as the next up and coming NFL coach. He interviewed with so many teams and nobody was interested. So they had to blame his skin color when it was obviously something else. Not impressed that he was OC for a great offense led by Patrick Mahomes. Just like I am not impressed with what Chip Kelly did at Oregon or Pete Carroll (who actually is a great coach however) did at USC with their rosters.
Somewhat surprised Martin is in the portal. So, the word is out that Garbers is going to take that extra Covid year?
Any old QB's on this site ready to suit up?
With the caveat that I have no idea how it played out... I was at the Penn State game and while he played reasonably well given the circumstances, it's pretty clear he's going to have better opportunities at a G5 school than at UCLA. Given that Martin graduated and DSF has been pretty clear about "needing to get a QB in here" as he said on signing day, I wouldn't be surprised if Foster was honest with him in the same way Cronin was with Will McClendon.
As I said in a different thread, I hope we get a higher quality of transfer QB than a Garbersesque retread like Mertz or DJU and I'm pretty happy about flipping McDaniel - perhaps Sunseri's arrival is the start of some sorely needed fresh air
I think Miller Moss is our ceiling, but sounds like he's looking at Missouri and Louisville. We can't compete with that.
Covid was 2020. Garbers already used 4 full seasons of eligibility not including the covid year. His eligibility is done.
Just spoke with DSF and yes, this is going to be a stretch. He's definitely looking for a QB.
Garbers is taking an extra COVID year? I thought he was out of eligibility
he is. no idea where that rumor came from.
The current update in the Transfer portal is that UCLA has lost 14 players so far in the portal and gained 1, not a good start for DeShaun Foster.
Aren't these the same players that lobbied for DSF for Coach?
I believe some of them are, yes.
this is why players should not be involved in the hiring of a coach. not in college, not in any professional sport.
If Indiana's play against Notre Dame is of any indication of the ability of our new OC, Bruins' future offense not looking good.
I know this is now a really old thread, but will the last skill position player out the door please turn out the lights?