Neuheisel kicks off

Rick Neuheisel wrapped up his opening statement at Pac-10 media day with a preemptive strike.

"I want to thank Dan Guerrero and those at UCLA — Chancellor Block — for giving me the chance. I know there's been a lot said about me in the last five years, and it is what it is. But the bottom line is I've been given another chance and I'm going to make the very most of it. I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

The first reporter asked, "Rick, USC's really built its defense around ..."

Neuheisel cut him off there. "First question! USC! I love this!"

Things got pretty straightforward after that, other than Neuheisel teasing Brigham Harwell for being quiet. In fact, UCLA's coach lighted up the room on several occasions, asking one reporter if he had any eligibility to play quarterback. Speaking of which, here's how he broke down the signal callers:

• Pat Cowan is out for the year. He still hasn't had surgery because he wanted to take some time off this summer and get to be a regular college student.
• Ben Olson is just out of a boot after getting a pin inserted in one foot. He should start regular drop-back passing in the next week.
• Juco transfer Kevin Craft was described as "nervous as he could be" in the spring game. "It looks like he had put his lips in a box of white powdered donuts. He couldn't hardly talk in the huddle." Neuheisel then praised his growth and leadership over the summer.
• Chris Forcier is a freshman who "I think has some promise."
• Osaar Rasshan also had to go through a knee procedure and they will "wait and see" when they get back to camp.

Also, Neuheisel had lots of praise for his new offensive coordinator. "The biggest noticeable influence he's had thus far is that every quarterback in the country calls us to see if they can come. There's a great allure to Norm Chow, and well-deserved. His resume gives him kinda' rock star status when you look at national championships and Heisman Trophy quarterbacks." Neuheisel made it abundantly clear that he would not be "meddlesome" in any of Chow's plans on the offensive side of the ball — merely play a supportive role. He through out a number of words like "marriage" and "harmony."

You can listen to the full audio in a post below.

—Adam Rose

Comments

[gamdopa]

look up the "Victory and Ruins" series on the Seattle Times website to see how Rick Neuheisel operates. He'll get you wins, but he'll look the other way while his players commit multiple felonies. good luck!

[BRUIN ALUM AND FAN]

USC alum Adam Rose writes this: He through out a number of words like "marriage" and "harmony."

At UCLA we have libraries that are full of things called books which we read so that we become smarter. At USC they THREW out all the books to make room for video games, beer kegs and pillow fights. Mr. Rose, your USC education is showing AGAIN. How embarrassing for you!

[Danforth]

Google "Reggie Bush + illegal benefits," "Rey Maualuga + own the police" and "Matt Leinart + major + So You Think You Can Dance" to see how Pete Carroll operates. He'll get you wins, but he looks the other way while his players commit multiple felonies. Enjoy probation!

[Scott]

>

So, Adam . . . where did you go to college? USC?

good grief . . .

[Scott]

I see the quote got cut, so let's try this again

He through out a number of words . . .

So, Adam . . . where did you go to college? USC?

good grief . . .

[Art Marriott, Seattle]

In response to "gamdopa", above...

Time only will tell whether Neuheisel keeps his nose clean in his new gig. In all deference, Washington at the time was a horrible place for him to have been. There's a long and extremely ugly tradition there of bending the rules and letting players off the hook for off-the-field thuggery (among other things), which has hopefully ended under completely new management of the athletic department. "Slick Rick" and Barbara Hedges each had their own ethical challenges, but together they were the worst possible combination.