July Football Report

The attrition in Westwood continues. Two weeks ago I gave a list of seven athletes that were leaving the program. Six transfers and one retirement. Well an addition has been made to that list. Offensive linemen Sonny Tevaga, younger brother of former offensive linemen Shannon Tevaga, has left the football program and is exploring his options. The reason that Tevaga is no longer with the program is due to academic issues and even if he clears those issues up, he will not be with the team in the fall.


Sonny Tevaga (55)

Despite our need for offensive linemen, this is actually not a bad thing. Tevaga never was able to distinguish himself, even when given the opportunities. His departure from the program opens up another vital scholarship and allows some of the highly touted freshmen linemen coming in a chance to compete.

After announcing his intention to transfer, safety EJ Woods has made a decision where he will be going. Woods will attend Santa Monica City College for a year before transferring to another Pac 10 school. The odds on favorite to land Woods is USC. In a recent LA Times article Woods mentioned that his style of play would probably be best suited for the Trojans. Despite the coaching staff asking Woods to stay and compete for a starting position, Woods will be moving on and opening up another scholarship.


E.J. Woods

Last week I mentioned that tight end Joseph Fauria was looking to transfer away from Notre Dame, and that UCLA was a possible destination for him. Well this week Fauria gave coach Neuheisel a non-binding oral commitment to transfer to Westwood this year. The 6-foot-7-inch 250 pound Fauria would have to sit out a year due to transfer rules, but would be a redshirt sophomore for the 2010 season.


Joseph Fauria

Also, there is supposedly a scholarship offer on the table for Josh Smith, the wide receiver from Colorado who is also looking to transfer. If Smith transferred in he would also have to sit out a year and would be a redshirt junior for the 2010 season.


Josh Smith

Lastly, UCLA picked up its fifth commitment this past week. Safety Earnest Thomas from St. Mary Prep School in Orchard Lake, Michigan gave his commitment to come play for the Bruins. From the looks of his tape, Thomas looks like a big, hard hitting safety with speed. The fact that he comes from the mid west also means that Coach Neuheisel is doing a good job with the out of state prospects. Look for recruiting to heat up even more over the next few weeks.


Earnest Thomas (7)