Four-star plays the waiting game
For four-star defensive back Anthony Dye (5-10, 180, 4.5) from Corona (Calif.) Santiago and three-star linebacker Patrick Larimore (6-2, 230, 4.65) from Newhall (Calif.) Hart have more in common other than being committed to UCLA and playing in their district's CIF Championship game.
Both players who have been longtime Bruin commits were not surprised when they heard the word the coach they committed to (Karl Dorrell) was let go of his coaching duties.
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Dye, who has had an outstanding senior season, is one of main reasons that Santiago gets to play in a rematch with archrival Corona (Calif.) Centennial on Saturday at the Home Depot Center has the following to say about Dorrell's dismissal.
"I wasn't surprised by the decision, but I was taken aback by it," Dye said. "It makes me in a waiting game because this bowl game is pretty much an interview for Coach DeWayne Walker.
"I was on a radio program and told the hosts that I am uncertain about UCLA," Dye said. "After all UCLA doesn't have a head coach.
"Naturally I have to keep my options open because of the instability of the program."
Oregon and Oregon State are the main competitors for UCLA at this time for Dye, but Washington and Arizona State are trying to get into the hunt. Arizona State was by the school this past week.
Larimore is still certain that UCLA is the school for him.
"I was actually at the CIF function when I heard about the news," Larimore said. "I wasn't totally surprised, but I really like Coach Dorrell and it was unfortunate that he was fired, but it didn't turn me against the school.
"I'm going to honor my commitment regardless of what happens in the future," Larimore said. "I do hope that the defensive staff stays.
"Stanford, Washington and San Diego State were checking to see how solid I was with UCLA," Larimore said. "I told them that I am solid with UCLA and that nothing has changed."