Ryan sort of has web feet.

I told them no, because they were beat after having driven all the way from Columbus, and there was no way it would be fair to C.J. to have to do all that driving again, and then immediately go out and play. But I was so taken by their dedication and how much they were interested in UNLV. When I had an opening, I thought, 'Let's give this kid a chance.' He wanted it so much and was going to really extraordinary lengths to show it.

He tried it, and his eyes lit up almost immediately. That's the thing about Chad. You see him out on the course, and he has that very mild, laid-back look, but that's not him at all. To be able to change grips like he did, to be willing to do whatever it takes to have more variety in his swing, that's an example of what kind of competitor he is. He's a tough Texan; that's all there is to it.

I started calling around, and everybody told me about this kid Chad Campbell in Texas. They said he was the best player in junior college. I'd never seen him, but so many people spoke so highly of him, I called him and offered him a scholarship sight unseen.

We've got to bounce right back and get ready for it. It's great when you have the defending national champion and the top collegiate player in the nation in Pablo Martin from Oklahoma State coming in. That's going to be a terrific test for us.

Competition on the team will be keen. This year, we have a good chance for a lot of different lineups.