Farris In Line for Honor

Stacking up accolades as if they were defensive lineman, tackle Kris Farris, a preseason All-American by some, has been selected as one of the 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award.

He was one of only three juniors so recognized, joining Andy Katzenmoyer of Ohio State and Jevon Hearse of Florida for the competition to decide the best lineman or linebacker in the country. One other Pac-10 player also made the cut, Arizona State center Grey Ruegamer.

“He’s a very gifted young man,” UCLA Coach Bob Toledo said of Farris. “Great size, great work ethic, very intelligent, and has worked very hard to get where he’s at. I just hope he gets the chances to win the Lombardi and the Outland two years in a row.”

That’s because he hopes Farris, a 6-foot-9, 310-pounder, stays for 1999 instead of opting for the NFL. Farris has said he will take some time before making his decision.

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The Oregon offense that has already appeared unstoppable, averaging 50.6 points and 539.8 yards of total offense through the first five games while leading the conference in three other categories, almost added another major weapon.

DeShaun Foster.

Before signing with UCLA and needing less than a month of his freshman season to flash signs of future greatness, he considered signing with the Ducks, made a recruiting trip to Eugene and came away impressed with the coaches and the overall state of the program. Just not too impressed with the overcast state.

“It was strongly considered, but the weather played a factor with me,” said Foster, who also visited Texas, Arizona State and Washington. “I didn’t want to leave California.”

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Next Up for UCLA

Who: Oregon

Where: Rose Bowl

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Radio: AM 1150