Monday’s sound bites from UCLA practice

Another week, another less-than-ideal win. Fortunately, we’ve got some recently developed story lines, like Marcus Rios and his big play against Cal. We got some good quotes from him Monday, as he talked about his game-winning interception and how much it meant to him after his physical issues the last couple years. If you want more on Rios’ tale, Chris Foster wrote a story yesterday chock full of good details.

On the blog yesterday was a story about Brett Hundley and his game against Cal, and a post about Ishmael Adams being shut out of the return game.

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

Redshirt sophomore defensive back Marcus Rios

On asking for a room overlooking the practice field when he was in the hospital last year with a life-threatening fungal infection: “I could see them practicing every day. I told them to give me that room, right there, so I could watch my brothers out here early every morning. Even though I didn’t feel good, I knew they were out here at 6 a.m., so I woke up right with them and looked out the window. So I was really eager to get back out here.”

On whether it was hard to watch: “It was more motivational. I understood my situation. I knew I was going to get better, I didn’t fear anything, so I was happy to watch my teammates out there.”

Junior wide receiver Jordan Payton

On winning at Cal for the first time since 1998: “To get over that hump is something special, especially because last time we were up there, I was a freshman and it was a completely different story. So, definitely a great win, and on to Colorado.”

On his holding penalty against Cal: “I’m actually still upset about that call. It was, I think, my first penalty here, and my first holding call ever. It’s going to happen, it’s just part of the game. I definitely should have used better technique.”

On having the ref throw a flag directly at him: “They told me to throw it back at him, but I was just like, ‘Wow, you really just tried to hit me with your flag?’ But it’s all good. I still don’t think it was a hold, though.”

For more Bruin observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook