All-American free safety Rahim Moore will be one of the leaders for the UCLA football team. The Dorsey High School grad led the nation with 10 interceptions in 2009. (Photo by Mario Villegas)
Story Created:
Aug 2, 2010 at 11:37 AM PST
Story Updated:
Aug 3, 2010 at 10:35 PM PST
For the UCLA football program, the 2010 season is all about building on momentum.
The Bruins are hoping that 3-1 finish which included a victory over Temple in the EagleBank Bowl last year will have some carryover into the 2010 season that begins Sept. 4 at Kansas State.
About to begin his third season at the head of the program, coach Rick Neuheisel is counting on a string of strong recruiting classes to start paying dividends.
The Bruins were only 4-8 in his first year and 7-6 a year ago.
With seven returning starters on offense, five on defense and an All-American kicker in Kai Forbath returning, the foundation seems to be in place to take the next step.
“We have made strides over the past couple of years to earn the right to be talked about as a great team in all facets, from recruiting, to the sweat equity Rahim (All-American free safety Moore) and his teammates have given.”
Defensively, the Bruins rank with anybody in the country.
Moore, the junior out of Dorsey High School, led the nation in interceptions a year ago with 10.
Linebacker Akeem Ayers (Verbum Dei), end Datone Jones (Compton), cornerback Sheldon Price and strong safety Tony Dye are other top returnees. Ayers, who had 75 tackles, including 14.5 for loss, and four interceptions a year ago, is on a number of preseason watch lists for national awards.
Aaron Hester, a sophomore out of Dominguez, could start at a cornerback spot.
Where UCLA needs to take the next step is on offense.
The Bruins struggled to put the ball in the end zone in 2009, but prospects for improving on that are promising considering Kevin Prince returns as the starting quarterback. He threw for 2,050 yards despite missing several games with injuries.
Wide receiver Taylor Embree, offensive guard Jeff Baca, center Kai Maiava, right guard Eddie Williams, right tackle Mike Harris and tailback Johnathan Franklin are returning starters on that side of the ball. Franklin, a sophomore from Dorsey, rushed for 566 yards a year ago.
Neuheisel said his goal is to be better than last season.
“I say that because I want the momentum to keep going,” he said. “We were 4-8 in year one and I wasn’t expecting that. Last year we went 0-5 in October. We were in every game but just couldn’t get it done. But we were able to find a way to right the ship and made it to a bowl game and pulled out the win, even though we were behind at halftime.
“All those things led to a great work ethic and excitement about going forward.
“For the first time since I got to UCLA we are an experienced football team. That doesn’t mean we won’t have an infusion of young guys that will still be key players. But we have gys like Rahim, Kevin Price and Akeem Ayers. These guys have played and played at a high level. And our kicking game is quite possibly the best in the country.”
Moore agrees.
“We’re doing all we can to be better,” he said. “It’s not about topping last year. If I could, I would trade the 10 picks for 10 wins. If everybody puts their heart out on the field, we’re going to win more.”
Photo: All-American free safety Rahim Moore will be one of the leaders for the UCLA football team. The Dorsey High School grad led the nation with 10 interceptions in 2009. Credit: Mario Villegas. Video via azvibephx.
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