Branded a Rebel, He Is One : UCLA: LaChapelle, who wears his nickname in--not on--his arm, catches 11 passes in victory over Arizona State.

It might be semantics, but UCLA receiver Sean LaChapelle says he is not a flake. In his mind he’s a rebel and a free thinker. Others question exactly what is in LaChapelle’s mind.

The irrepressible junior from Napa was much discussed Saturday when as he caught 11 of 12 passes thrown to him, two for touchdowns, as UCLA beat Arizona State, 21-16.

After the game, when players and plays undergo unsparing analysis, LaChapelle was singled out for frank assesment. The phrases “goofy” and “playful kid” surfaced, and LaChapelle did his good-natured best to respond.

Perhaps it’s LaChapelle’s look: a Vanilla Ice short-blond haircut, with sidewalls shaved around his ears; two earrings and his habit of wearing a yellow UCLA wristband around his ankle.

“I’ve never heard people call me a flake,” LaChapelle said. “I’ve had people call me crazy and rebellious. Stupid, I’ve heard before.”

LaChapelle heard it Saturday morning from Rick Neuheisel, who coaches UCLA’s receivers.

“He told me, ‘It only takes six seconds for a person to talk to you and know you are brain dead,’ ” LaChapelle said. “That wasn’t too nice.”

All in good fun, according to Neuheisel, who prefers “maniac” when referring to LaChapelle. Neuheisel sees LaChapelle as the disruptive child in class, seldom paying attention when Neuheisel is making a particularly crucial point.

“The coaches have a line,” LaChapelle said. “I try to go across it at least once a day.”

LaChapelle’s assurance and maturity on the field bails him out of trouble off the field. Neuheisel knows that what makes LaChapelle infuriating--his offbeat and creative approach to life--is what helps him excel as a creative and resourceful receiver.

“A lot of receivers will line up and just run the route,” Neuheisel said. “With Sean, the route is always developing. He knows how to get open, and when the ball is in the air, nobody is better.”

LaChapelle has never been better than on Saturday, and it appeared effortless. The Sun Devils allowed LaChapelle full license over the field. They stuck with their defensive game plan, even as LaChapelle was totaling 135 yards in receptions.

Seldom was LaChapelle double-covered. UCLA offensive coordinator Homer Smith has designed alignments in which LaChapelle lines up as a slot back, wide receiver or split end. Defenses rarely know where he is going.

All of which meshes nicely with LaChapelle’s personality. The rebel in LaChapelle relishes the freedom inherent in his position.

“As a receiver, you’re carefree,” LaChapelle said. “I’ve got a lot of room to roam. Being carefree off the field helps me in the game. I know I’m going to get hit. I just have to hang on to the ball.”

Sometimes receivers, anticipating a hit, will flinch and drop a pass. LaChapelle claims he is not afraid. A testament to his pain threshold is visible on the inside of his left forearm. The letters LA, his nickname, are scored into his skin, raised up like small red ropes.

LaChapelle and his older brother Dean were working at their uncle’s business. They were bored. Dean hit on the idea of branding themselves. He fashioned a branding iron out of a welding rod and heated it with a propane torch.

LaChapelle branded himself, but, because his amateur job has not stood up, he has had to “touch it up” a few times since.

LaChapelle is still trying to live down the hunting escapade in which he accidently shot himself in the leg. His teammates call him, variously, Clint Eastwood, Wyatt Earp or Bull’s-Eye.

“I’m still getting it from them,” he says, laughing.

LaChapelle is not prone to over-analyze, which Neuheisel counts as an asset. It might be semantics, but LaChapelle sees it more as relaxation. Attribute it to his lucky bracelet.

The charm is a black rubber ring he found in the drawer at a gas station where he was working. LaChapelle put it on his wrist and he has never removed it. Why should he, when things have been going so well?