Seidman Still Waiting for a Win

Mike Seidman was crushed when USC failed to recruit him hard out of Westlake High. His father had been a Trojan baseball player and the family wanted Mike to continue the legacy.

But the Trojans didn’t pursue him, even though he was rated as the No. 1 tight end in the nation.

“That was a thorn in my foot,” he said.

Seidman signed with UCLA and is enjoying a prolific senior year with 34 catches for 535 yards and four touchdowns. But like all the Bruin seniors, he hasn’t defeated the Trojans.

“The main difference this year is that we’ve won [three] in a row, we are ranked and have confidence,” he said. “We know we can win.”

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Drew Olson will start at quarterback and Coach Bob Toledo is making no promises regarding the playing time of his backup, Matt Moore.

“Drew will start and I’ll probably give Matt Moore a chance, then go from there,” Toledo said.

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Freshman defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu, a frequently used reserve, underwent an emergency appendectomy Monday and will not play the rest of the season. Saia Makakaufaki will move from tight end to defensive tackle to add depth.

Toledo said the absence of Niusulu will not tempt coaches to play Rodney Leisle before he is fully recovered from foot surgery. “I won’t play him unless he is ready,” Toledo said. “Niusulu’s situation will have no bearing on Rodney.”