Westwood Has Houston Pipeline

UCLA linebacker Bruce Davis II has had today’s date circled on his calendar for months. Rice is in town to play the Bruins at the Rose Bowl tonight, which means a chance for him to go against some old acquaintances.

“Playing a game against your hometown squad is always special,” said Davis, who played at Houston Clear Creek High. “Rice has a cornerback, Ja’Corey Shepherd, who is the nephew of my barber.”

Whenever Davis returns home, he gets razzed at the barber shop. “The schedule has been out for a while,” Davis said. “My barber would tell me, ‘Ja’Corey is coming for y’all.’ I even spoke to Ja’Corey once or twice and we’ve e-mailed each other several times.... Yes, this game has been a personal topic for a while.”

In recent years, Houston has emerged as a talent source in UCLA’s expanding recruiting base.

Davis, a third-year sophomore, is a pass rush specialist as a hybrid linebacker-defensive end. Last year, the Bruins were able to sign Robert Kibble, a safety from Houston Westfield High, who as a freshman has worked his way into the secondary rotation and was a key special teams player last week at San Diego State.

“It’s huge for us to play well against a team like Rice because we already have a couple of kids from the Houston area,” said running back coach Eric Bieniemy, also the Bruins’ recruiting coordinator.

“This is a big game for our players.... They get a chance for their family and friends to see them play against a team from their hometown.”

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UCLA has established “Bruins for Relief,” a fund-raising effort for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. UCLA student-athletes, staff members, wives of the coaching staff and volunteers from the San Gabriel Valley chapter of the American Red Cross will be stationed outside the Rose Bowl gates. Fans who make donations will receive coupons good for two admissions to a designated UCLA event.... The five UCLA players from Louisiana will serve as captains for tonight’s game -- linebacker Fred Holmes, free safety Chris Horton, defensive tackle Chris Johnson, tailback Chris Markey and center Aaron Meyer.