Recruiting Hoping for Boost

Two victories in a row improved the disposition of everyone around UCLA. Randy Taylor, who heads Bruin recruiting, is no exception.

“Winning has a great deal to do with successful recruiting,� Taylor said. “Guys want to play for a team that looks like it is going to win, now and in the future.�

The Bruins have commitments from only four players, fewer than half the number they’ve had by November in recent years. Recruiting experts have expressed alarm, suggesting that UCLA’s .500 record the last three years is turning off blue-chip prospects.

However, Taylor believes the Bruins eventually will corral as many quality players as in recent years. UCLA has 16 more scholarships to offer. The focus is on defensive linemen. “A lot of kids want to take their [recruiting] trips before they decide,� he said. “We’ve got a good mix of young and old players on this team. The factors that enabled us to bring in top recruiting classes the last several years still apply.�

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Receiver Ryan Smith is in limbo. He knows his ankle hurts. He knows it has affected his performance. But he isn’t getting satisfactory answers.

MRI results Tuesday revealed fluid on the ankle, but little else. He suffered the injury last year, played several games in pain and had surgery in April to remove scar tissue.

Smith has only five catches and sat out Saturday against Washington. He will not play against Arizona.

“I want to be a team player and play through it, but I did that last year and look where it got me,� he said. “I’m fed up with pain. And I’m fed up with being mediocre.�

Smith, a junior, will decide whether to play again this season after visiting a foot specialist.

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C.J. Niusulu has until his next court appearance Nov. 26 to negotiate a plea bargain on felony battery charges. If the charges are reduced to a misdemeanor, he would be suspended for one game. A felony conviction would result in his dismissal from the team.

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It was election day, and injured quarterback Cory Paus sat in the bleachers at Spaulding Field and considered a career in politics.

“That’s really what I want to do, maybe in 20 years,� he said. “I have some definite ideas. I think you’ll see me run for office.�

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Reserve quarterback Matt Moore has been promised that he will play one series in the first half against Arizona. Moore and starter Drew Olson are getting equal repetitions in practice.... Defensive tackle Ryan Boschetti (shin) missed practice for the second day in a row.... Cornerback Matt Ware (hamstring) practiced and was upgraded to probable.