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UCLA coach Jim Mora has never been one to hold back his opinion. In his press conference on Monday, five days before the Bruins' annual showdown with USC, Mora was his usual talkative self. That's not in the least bit surprising. It was the content of what he was saying that surprised reporters. Jim Mora loves USC's Marqise Lee. Seriously, he really does.
Via Greg Beacham's Twitter account:
Jim Mora loves Marqise Lee: "He's rare. They don't come along like this very often. He'd be an impact player at the next level right now."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 12, 2012
Jim Mora compared Marqise Lee to the Texans' Andre Johnson. Not in size, but in the way he impacts and dominates a game. "He's special."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 12, 2012
Those are very big compliments coming from a blood rival. Perhaps Mora is attempting to plant the 2013 NFL draft seed in the mind of the sophomore wide receiver, so the Bruins won't have to face him two more times. Just a thought.
Mora's praise for his opposition's best weapon is interesting, but that wasn't the best part of the press conference. According to a Jill Painter tweet, Mora managed to pump Lee's tires without mentioning two words, 'USC' and 'Trojans', the entire press conference.
#UCLA coach #Mora got through his entire press conference without mentioning #USC once. He referred to the Trojans as opponent and rival etc
— jill painter (@jillpainter) November 12, 2012
Your move, Lane Kiffin.