UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: EMBREE EYES COLORADO JOB.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

UCLA assistant head coach and tight ends coach Jon Embree is interested in returning to his alma mater to replace ousted Colorado coach Gary Barnett, sources said Friday.

Embree, a former Buffaloes player and assistant coach, is being mentioned prominently for the job in Boulder, and has the backing of former Colorado coach Bill McCartney.

The 40-year-old Embree, completing his third season at UCLA, was out recruiting and couldn't be reached for comment.

Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn has not named possible candidates, but Embree's ties to former Colorado head coaches Rick Neuheisel and Barnett could work against him.

After starring at Colorado and following a brief NFL career, Embree returned to his alma mater to coach tight ends. He also coached defensive ends at Colorado and receivers at UCLA, but has no experience as a coordinator.

--All-Americans again: Bruins tight end Marcedes Lewis and punt returner Maurice Drew were named to the Football Writers Association of America All-America team Friday. Both players were named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation team on Thursday.

Also, Bruins defensive tackle Chase Moline was named a third-team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. Moline made 25 tackles, which tied for third among UCLA linemen.

Moline, linebacker John Hale and punter Aaron Perez were named to The Sporting News' Pac-10 All-Freshman team.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com