Tuesday, January 12, 1999
Football Notebook
Farris says farewell to UCLA for NFL
Junior offensive lineman Kris Farris has announced he will
forego his final year of eligibility to make himself available for
the NFL draft.
Farris is this year’s recipient of the Outland Trophy, which is
given to the most outstanding interior lineman in the nation.
"I am confident this is the best decision for me at this time,"
said Farris, who started all 35 games of his college career. "The
Outland Trophy really helped my decision – I’m not going to lie
about it."
At a press conference last Wednesday, Farris explained that a
big factor in his choice was that since he sat out his freshman
year, many players on his incoming freshman class, including
quarterback Cade McNown and lineman Andy Meyers and Shawn Stuart,
have finished their eligibility.
"I don’t feel like I belong here anymore. It’s time to move on,"
he said.
Toledo on contract through 2005
Head coach Bob Toledo has signed a contract agreement worth more
than $4 million that will keep him at UCLA through at least the
2005 season.
The 7-year contract, which includes a roll-over clause, will pay
Toledo $578,000 per year.
"This is where I want to be," said Toledo, who has led the
Bruins to a 25-10 record and two top-10 finishes in his three years
as head coach.
"I hope they keep me here for a dozen years so I can retire off
into the sunset," he said.
Coach Kevin Yoxall adjourns to Auburn
Strength and conditioning coach Kevin Yoxall has left UCLA to
take the same type of job at Auburn. Yoxall has had a tremendous
impact on UCLA’s recent success. Coach Toledo acknowledged Yoxall’s
great work and the ease that the program he developed will be to
maintain in the future.
"It was getting to this point that was really tough," said
Toledo.
Former UCLA offensive lineman Mike Linn will take over for
Yoxall.
UCLA prepares
for next season
There are currently five quarterbacks vying for UCLA’s starting
position, with no glaring favorites at this point. Junior Drew
Bennett probably has a slight edge because he is the only one with
college experience, albeit only five passes on the year.
The other candidates are sophomore Scott McEwan, redshirt
freshmen Cory Paus and Ryan McCann, and J.P. Losman, a recruit from
Venice High School who is expected to graduate next month and
enroll at UCLA for spring practice. "I’m going to open it up and
let it be very competitive," said Toledo.
Other’s of UCLA’s verbal commitments include the following:
Losman, offensive lineman Shane Lehmann (6-5, 280, from Corona,
Calif.), lineman Rodney Leisle (6-4, 305 from Bakersfield, Calif.),
receiver Jerry Owens (6-3, 180, from Newhall, Calif.), and
defensive linemen David and Matthew Ball, (both 6-5, 230, from
Dixon, Calif.).
The deadline for letters of intent is Feb. 4.
Compiled By Jeff Kmiotek, Daily Bruin staff
Comments, feedback, problems?
© 1998 ASUCLA Communications Board[Home]