COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : UCLA : Maddox Throws Fly Balls to Moore

Bruin quarterback Tommy Maddox believes that wide receiver Michael Moore’s experience as a baseball player helps him in football.

“A lot of people don’t realize that Michael has been playing center field all his life and is used to running under balls,” Maddox said. “Just like that long one--a 50-yard pass play to Moore--against Michigan. A lot of people don’t realize he has that much speed because he has such a long stride.”

Even though Michigan beat UCLA, 38-15, last Saturday at Ann Arbor, Maddox impressed some of the Wolverine players. Said All-American safety Tripp Welborne: “He has a strong arm. He’s just starting, but he’ll be a great one. He has a quick release and poise.”

Said linebacker Neil Simpson: “Maddox took some shots and kept coming back throwing the ball downfield. To see guts in a quarterback that age (19) was impressive.”

Said Maddox: “I was talking to my dad after the game, and I said I feel comfortable (now) playing anybody else, because I don’t think I can get hit that often and that hard that many times again.”