[Editor’s Note: UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley, who may have been a first-round pick in the NFL’s April draft, announced this morning that he will return to Westwood for his junior season.]
Rick Neuheisel, former UCLA quarterback and head football coach, probably was one of the most satisfied people in America after Bruins beat USC 35-17 and last week destroyed Virginia Tech 42-12 in the Sun Bowl.
Neuheisel recruited Brett Hundley to play for UCLA. Hundley was supposed to be the player who was going to put UCLA football back in the national spotlight and save Neuheisel’s job.
That did not work out.[img]2371|right|Brett Hundley||no_popup[/img]UCLA’s two most recent victories showed why he was so highly recruited out of Chandler High School in Arizona. His performance against USC will go down as one of the best games played by a quarterback in the 83-year history of the rivalry. On New Year’s Eve, Hundley almost single handedly beat Virginia Tech.
The two years that Hundley has been the starting quarterback for the Bruins he has put up better numbers but his game management against USC was perfect. He ran when he needed to run. He completed his passes when he needed. He ran the ball 13 times for 80 yards and completed 18 out of 28 passes for 208 yards. Against Virginia Tech, Hundley passed for 226 yards and ran for 161 yards including an 86 yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He ran for two touchdowns and passed for two touchdowns against the Hokies.
What everyone forgets is that he was recruited to do this for the 2011 season at UCLA. That’s the season USC battered UCLA 50-0 at the Coliseum, the year Neuheisel was fired. Hundley was injured in the spring of 2011, and he missed the entire season.
What a difference a good quarterback can make.
“It’s been awhile since a quarterback has played that well against us, especially running the ball,” said USC coach Ed Orgeron. “We knew going in that he could hurt us on the quarterback draw. We tried everything to stop him. Still, he kept making plays.”
Neuheisel’s successor, Jim Mora, was asked after the USC game if this was the best game a quarterback has played for his team. “We have had quarterbacks named Michael Vick and Steve Young play some pretty good games for us.”
The next big question Hundley needs to answer is whether he is turning pro? “I will sit down with my family and coaches and make my decision,” said Hundley.
Some people think Hundley needs one more year in college. NFL scouts say he is ready now. Remember, everyone said former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez was not ready for professional football, so Hundley has a big decision to make. At 6-3 and 220 pounds Hundley has the size, arm and speed to make it at the next level.
UCLA finished the season 10-3, their first 10-win season since 2005.
“I give the credit to the offensive line, the receivers and the coaches for us playing a great game,” said Hundley after beating USC for the second year in a row. Hundley should also give credit to Neuheisel for recruiting him to play for UCLA. “We came into their house and got the win. Now people can wear their UCLA stuff proudly,” said Hundley.
Probably one of the proudest Bruins of all is Neuheisel.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
