Bruin pledges have something to think about

The Bruins are trying to hold onto one of their best recruiting hauls in years. UCLA fans couldn't wait to see four-star bookend defensive ends Datone Jones (6-4, 240, 4.8) from Compton, Calif., and Damien Holmes (6-3, 250, 4.8) from Colton, Calif., wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and have four-star safety prospect E.J. Woods (6-0, 192, 4.45) from Encino (Calif.) Crespi pick off their errant passes.

The trio of four-star prospects talked to Rivals.com about the departure of UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell and what that means to the recruiting process.

Holmes was empathic to the injury bug that besieged UCLA this season and he couldn't find fault in Dorrell.

"It was unfortunate for Coach Dorrell when you lose your top two quarterbacks and your top two running backs," Holmes said. "You can't expect to win big games with your best players on the bench.

"I'm still solid with UCLA," Holmes said. "I'm only talking to one other school, Oregon, and as long as DeWayne Walker and defensive line coach Todd Howard are there, I'm going to be a Bruin.

Jones has been very busy handling phone calls and home visits from schools that would love to take him off UCLA's hands.

"It (Dorrell's departure) doesn't really affect me, but it hurt my heart," Jones said. "I expected him (Dorrell) to be my coach next year, so now I'm just taking it one day at a time.

"Colorado came by my house today (Tuesday December 4th) and I will be taking a recruiting visit to Colorado this weekend.

"I really don't know what I'm doing right now," Jones said. "I'm trying not to confuse myself. If Coach Walker ends up head coach then I'll be at UCLA.

Woods is busy preparing for the CIF Pac 5 championship while juggling home visits and phone calls. He was busy waiting on couple of coaches when we called.

"I'm waiting on Coach Dan Hawkins and Coach Darian Hagan from Colorado," Woods said. "They are coming over for a home visit.

"I really don't know what to think about Coach Dorrell," Woods said. "I hope UCLA brings in a winning coach that can bring UCLA a Pac 10 championship.

"The doorbell is ringing it must be them (Hawkins and Hagan)," Woods said. "If Coach Walker is at UCLA, I'm staying.