Nov. 09--Go, Brett Hundley, with our blessings.
There has been growing chatter among television pundits and among UCLA fans that Hundley needs to remain at UCLA for another season, to improve his NFL draft stock.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sure, Hundley has rough edges. There are times when the decisions need to come quicker. There are times when passes need to be a little crisper. But to wait one more season to hone those skills is unrealistic.
Hundley was anointed "The Savior" by UCLA fans before he even enrolled.
UCLA fans, consider yourself saved. Maybe it's not where you want to be. The Bruins' road has obstacles that make it unlikely that they will be one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff. A Pac-12 title remains only a slim hope. Hundley will not win the Heisman Trophy appearing to be a far-better person than last season's winner.
Those were things that lured him back last January.
Still, in three seasons, he has guided the Bruins to a 27-10 record. His winning percentage (.730) is a shade below Troy Aikman (.833) and Gary Beban (.808).
There are NFL scouts who think Hundley could benefit from another season on the college level. This could be an honest appraisal, or it could be posturing. It doesn't matter. Hundley is expected to be a high first-round pick. He is too good to pass on.
There has been improvement this season. Hundley leads the nation in passing percentage (.721), and his passing efficiency (158.0) is ninth.
Hundley gave a farewell show in a 44-30 victory over Washington Saturday. He completed 29 of 35 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for two scores.
The growing that is left to be done can be accomplished in the NFL. If Hundley has it in him to be among the elite then another year of college would merely be a delaying action.
So adieu, Brett.
