Five Junior College Players Sign

Junior colleges have never been the first place UCLA looks for recruits. High schools are where academically sound blue chippers are found.

Bruin Coach Karl Dorrell insists that viewpoint is not changing. But for the time being, practicality is trumping philosophy.

Newcomers are needed to provide immediate help at several positions. And the best place to find older players ready to step in is not high schools. So UCLA has happily accepted letters of intent from five junior college players.

“Historically, UCLA has not relied on junior colleges, and we don’t want to become a junior college recruiting outfit,” Dorrell said. “But we need some depth and some maturity.”

David Koral of Santa Monica will give UCLA sorely needed depth at quarterback. Dan Nelson, a junior college All-American from Arizona Western, will compete for a starting spot at linebacker.

Offensive lineman Marc Villafuerte of Santa Ana, tight end Matt Raney of Phoenix and defensive lineman Kyle Morgan of Pearl River, Miss., all fill immediate needs.

Those five players are joined by 15 high school recruits who have given UCLA oral commitments. The Bruins have two or three more scholarships to give.

The search for junior college players might not be over, however. Justin Hickman, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive lineman from Glendale (Ariz.) Community College, could be next. After visiting Westwood last weekend, he is deciding between UCLA and Washington State.

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Safety Ben Emanuel, out of the Silicon Valley Classic because of a groin injury, was suspended by Dorrell for breaking a team rule. Emanuel is not in legal trouble and is not academically ineligible. He will return to the team when the winter quarter begins.... Senior receiver Ryan Smith is questionable because of a tender ankle. He has not practiced the last three days.