Answers, Part I

Does the move of Chandler to offensive tackle reflect that the coaching staff is not confident that either Harris or Bennett have the ability to become adequate starters at the tackle position? I think it reflects that, as well as says there are not enough adequate backups either. As I really start to dissect this team, I think most of the positions are good or serviceable, especially given the coaching staff, but the offensive line is an unknown commodity - and could be downright awful despite good coaching.

Was it uncommon when Neuheisel picked out most of the offensive coaches before he got chow as the offensive cord. wouldn't an off. cord. want input on the coaches that will work under him? It was out of the ordinary, but it made sense under the circumstances. Chow isn't a guy who needs to have specific people around him. That's not how he works. He takes in all the information he gets from his offensive staff throughout the week and becomes the authority on game day when it comes to play-calling.

What did the coaching staff observe in Chandler that makes them think that he can become a good offensive tackle?A big frame, good feet, athleticism and an aggressiveness to be a successful tackle. UCLA's depth at tight end and lack of depth at tackle also played roles in the decision.

Has Chace Stanback officially left UCLA? Yes. He finished up the spring quarter last month and is now looking at schools.

So what your really trying to say is that Tim Tebow is considering a transfer to UCLA?Yeah, but unless he can get the NCAA to wave the mandatory one-year of sitting out, he will stay with Florida. (For those unsure, this is firmly done with tongue-in-cheek.)

which positions would you say are showcasing our strongest talent (obviously not our o-line) and which positions will be most strongly suited in the near future? Interesting question (which I like). From what I've seen during 7-on-7s, the group showing the most talent among the young players is at the receiver spot with Antwon Moutra and Jerry Johnson. I haven't seen enough of Nelson Rosario yet, but what I've seen, I really like.
As far as showcasing the current talent, it's going to be the defensive tackles with Brigham Harwell and Brian Price. They may be two of the best in the nation.

with the 2010 ncaa one and done rule fast approaching are you aware of which players we're currently recruiting or will enter into ucla scholarship who may or may not be affected by a move to a two-year mandatory collegiate or european waiting period prior to entering the nba?In my opinion, I think it's too early to start jumping into that stuff.

Does the offer to Anthony Stover mean that Howland is losing confidence that he'll get Alex Stephenson? Will the Stover offer have an impact on Stpehenson's decision? Or do neither one have any impact on the other???I don't think either has an impact on each other. Stepheson will come in and play for two years while Stover, from what I'm told, is more of a down the road guy.

Beyond Ben Olson playing well and the offensive line coming together, what does UCLA need to do to have a decent season this year?The inexperienced secondary cannot get torched and lose confidence, the linebackers have to stay healthy, the defensive ends need to supply a bit of pressure on the quarterback and a running back must emerge. In other words, there are plenty of questions surrounding the program (which is why Karl Dorrell was fired), but none are bigger than Ben Olson and the offensive line.