Birmingham duo opening things up
One of the things that are most impressive regarding the current Bruin class is the amount of players that play for winning programs. The Bruins have committed players who will participate in two CIF Championship games and in the City Section Championship game.
Two of UCLA's recruits play for Lake Balboa (Calif.) Birmingham. They are three-star linebacker Donovan Carter (6-2, 226, 4.65) and four-star running back Milton Knox.
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Both players were disappointed when they heard word that Karl Dorrell dismissed.
"It came to a shock to me and other recruits that I know," Carter said. "I wish it could have been worked out.
"Coach Dorrell met with this recruiting class on Veteran's Day and told us he wasn't going anywhere and was planning on being at UCLA a long time," Carter said. "He said that he thought everything would stay the same because of the injury situation the team went through.
"I'm talking to other schools now," Carter said. "If Coach DeWayne Walker and linebacker coach Chuck Bullough stay on board, I'm solid with the Bruins.
"If they wipe out the whole coaching staff, I'll give the coaching staff a chance, but I don't know if I will stay," Carter said. "Washington will be coming in for a home visit and I'm trying to set up a visit to Arizona State."
The ever competitive Knox took the news even harder.
"I'll tell you the truth," Knox said. "I think it is messed up about Coach Dorrell. I think he is the one who was able to haul in this great recruiting class.
"I thought that the guys he (Dorrell) was bringing in would change the face of the program," Knox said. "Everybody said that UCLA is second to USC, we were going to change that and make UCLA No. 1.
"I think this recruiting class could fall apart," Knox said. "We don't know what we are going to do..
"I know if UCLA hired DeWayne Walker, he's going to keep the nucleus of this coaching staff," Knox said. "A whole new coaching staff will bring a whole new set of questions.
"I know Coach Dino Babers and I trust him," Knox said. "He tells you like it is.
"I'm going to open up the market a little and look at Florida, Notre Dame and Colorado."