Football: Birmingham’s Knox decides he wants to be a Bruin

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Birmingham running back Milton Knox had everyone guessing Wednesday whether he’d sign with UCLA or Notre Dame. ‘I talked to his dad this morning,’ Coach Ed Croson said, ‘and I don’t think his dad knew.’

But Knox ended up signing with the Bruins on Wednesday, and it makes sense. How could the two-time Los Angeles City Section player of the year who wears a ‘I love Pacoima T-shirt’ under his jersey leave family and friends behind for South Bend, Ind.?

Give Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis credit. He gave the Bruins a scare. ‘They did a great job and really laid out the red carpet and made him feel welcome,’ Croson said of the Fighting Irish.

And Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High’s Dayne Crist and Crespi’s Joseph Fauria, who each signed with Notre Dame, were sending text messages to Knox trying to get him to go to Notre Dame just as he was preparing to give a TV interview announcing his decision.

But Knox had built a relationship with UCLA, and new Coach Rick Neuheisel made a positive impression. ‘I think UCLA proved they’re going to be a force to reckon with,’ Croson said.

-- Eric Sondheimer