Reporters' Notebooks

Lonnie White, Los Angeles Times: In a blow to UCLA, assistant Eric Bieniemy, who coordinated the Bruins' recruiting efforts, is leaving to take a job with the Minnesota Vikings.

Andy Staples, Tampa Tribune: Florida's recruiting class could reach 31, but the NCAA allows only 25 players a year to sign. So how are the Gators going to pull it off?

Rus Baer, Columbia Tribune: Will Missouri retire Brad Smith's No. 16 jersey? No way, not after the controversy over retiring Brock Olivo's No. 27 in 1997.

Doug Doughty, Roanoke Times: Virginia appears to be in disarray, with coach Al Groh trying to recruit, fill vacancies on his staff and having linebacker Kai Parham leave early to turn professional.

Donnie Webb, Syracuse Post-Standard: Syracuse, which ranked near the bottom nationally of nearly every offensive statistic, is trying to address those shortcomings by stacking its recruiting class with offensive talent.

Alan Schmadtke, Orlando Sentinel: Negotiations to extend George O'Leary's contract with Central Florida have begun, with the coach expected to pass the $1-million-a-year mark.

Tim Stevens, Raleigh News & Observer: The first player in the recruiting class of 2006 to commit to North Carolina State has rescinded his commitment (registration).

Boulder Daily Camera: Colorado coach Dan Hawkins has landed his first two commitments, bringing the Buffaloes' total to 10.

Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech's recruiting class is shaping up — on paper, at least — to be the Red Raiders' best in eight years.

Jeff Miller, Dallas Morning News: The American Football Coaches Association ended its convention without formally pursuing changes to the way that officials are assigned to bowl games, but that doesn't mean the controversy is over (registration).

Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle: It doesn't appear that Fresno State coach Pat Hill will be leaving for the NFL. He has scheduled his first players' meeting of 2006 for Wednesday.

Jeff D'Alessio, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Which five teams are pulling the surprises of the recruiting season? Click here to find out (registration).