UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: BIENIEMY HEADS TO VIKINGS.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

In one year, Eric Bieniemy revamped UCLA's recruiting efforts, increasing coach Karl Dorrell's visibility and accessibility among Southern California's prep players and coaches.

Bieniemy, UCLA's running backs coach for three years and recruiting coordinator the past 11 months, accepted the same position with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings on Monday, but his recruiting strategy figures to remain.

Bieniemy said a detailed recruiting plan leading up to the Feb. 1 national letter of intent signing day is in place, and UCLA already identified which juniors will receiver written scholarship offers Feb. 2.

``I'm very proud and happy I've had an opportunity to help change the way we recruit,'' Bieniemy said. ``You have guys on this staff that are hungry, and I think we'll stay on the right track. That won't be an issue.''

A year ago a significant raise, and the realization one of Bieniemy's sons, Eric III, who has cerebral palsy, could benefit from the UCLA/Orthopaedic Hospital Center for Cerebral Palsy, helped UCLA keep Bieniemy away from the University of Texas.

But with the chance to move to the NFL, and with nearby Rochester, Minn., being home to the Mayo Clinic, which treats more than 400 patients per year with cerebral palsy, the 36-year-old Bieniemy said he had to make the move.

``It was real tough because, obviously, you get emotionally attached to the kids,'' Bieniemy said. ``I sought advice from coaches on (NFL) staffs, from friends in the NFL, and players. I had to take it.''

--Recruiting update: UCLA doesn't expect any of its recruits to back off their commitments because of Bieniemy's move, sources said, and the Bruins are hoping to land a few more commitments before the deadline, including Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks quarterback Garrett Green.

Green, who was offered a scholarship by USC over the weekend, said he is trying to schedule an official trip to UCLA this weekend. He is also an accomplished safety, but wants his first chance on offense.

``Ideally, I'd like to play quarterback,'' said Green, who added he might visit Nebraska and Michigan. ``I want an opportunity to compete for a job. I've met some of the coaches at UCLA, but (visiting) would give me a chance to sit and talk with them more.''

Crenshaw safety Darian Hagan Jr., who was being recruited by Bieniemy, said Bieniemy's departure will not make an impact on his decision.

``(Bieniemy) would have been around, but he wasn't going to be my coach,'' said Hagan, who added he was deciding between UCLA, USC and Cal.

Norco tailback Toby Gerhart will choose between Stanford and UCLA.

--Watts de-commits: Los Banos High offensive lineman Walter Watts, who was the first member to commit for the 2006 class, de-commited to UCLA. The move was expected for the last month.

According to sources, Watts is expected to meet NCAA qualifying requirements, but he was not going to be admitted to UCLA. The school talked to Watts about going to a junior college or a prep school for another year, but instead, Watts is looking at Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

--Odds and ends: Defensive end Justin Hickman had arthroscopic knee surgery to repair cartilage, but he is expected to be ready when UCLA begins spring practice. ... UCLA begins its 15-session spring practice Feb. 21.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

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ERIC BIENIEMY

Running backs coach, who is leaving UCLA for NFL's Minnesota Vikings, was instrumental in Bruins' recruiting efforts.