Bruins get ready for Arizona State -- and the recruiting contest
UCLA FOOTBALL FYI
Coach Rick Neuheisel says a win would be a 'shot in the arm' when talking to prospects and that he's looking at some junior college players.
Fighting to keep their slim postseason hopes alive, the UCLA players and coaches have ample incentive against Arizona State on Friday night. But Coach Rick Neuheisel sees added potential benefits.
"The winner has the momentum of a winning streak," he said. "Those are important things as you head into recruiting."
The Bruin coaches watched local prospects last week and can begin hitting the trail in earnest beginning Nov. 30, when they are allowed to make home visits. The program has already secured verbal commitments from several high school prospects while turning to another source of talent.
"I think we've looked for some help in the junior college ranks whereas most years we're a freshman recruiting operation," Neuheisel said.
Junior college players can have more difficulty qualifying for admission to the university, Neuheisel said, "but there is some need in our program at particular positions, so we have scoured the ranks to see who might fit both academically and physically."
That's where another victory could help as the clock ticks down toward national signing day in February.
"I think recruiting is going to be terrific anyway," Neuheisel said. "But I think it would be another shot in the arm."
Wharton is a Times staff writer.
david.wharton@latimes.com
