Farmer Takes Over No. 1 Spot

He comes from out of the shadows, and from the volleyball team, to take over the featured role among UCLA receivers, a change of position and of prominence.

“I’m looking forward to getting those opportunities,” Danny Farmer said.

He won’t have to look hard. The move from split end to flanker for his senior season is not just semantics, but a promotion. Farmer gets the spot occupied in 1997 by Jim McElroy, the speedster who had 47 receptions and 10 touchdowns, and the role as the No. 1 target for Cade McNown.

“We’ve got [Brian] Poli-Dixon and we’ve got [Brad] Melsby at split end and they’re more suited for that position,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “Danny Farmer is a guy who’s going to play really two positions, flanker and our slot position. We just felt he’s a real good receiver and we could put him in positions to probably catch more balls.

“He’s probably got more experience than those other guys and he runs routes real well and he’s got excellent hands. Plus he’s got real good size.”

The move comes with the benefit of a summer with McNown during passing league games, but without the additional, and preferable, help of time there also in spring drills. Farmer had been told about becoming McElroy’s replacement as the big-play receiver, but was playing on the volleyball team that won the national championship.

“It’s a little different, but this will be my fourth year in the program.” he said. “I’m still a little uncomfortable, but I’m excited for the change.”