Courtney Viney, a highly recruited cornerback out of Fresno, quickly earned a nickname from UCLA defensive coordinator, DeWayne Walker, after landing on campus in 2007.
“He called me ‘Flea,’” the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Viney said. “Like a literal flea. I was little but I was really quick and he said I was always pestering the receivers. I couldn’t shake that nickname early on.”
Viney eventually was able to shake that less-than-flattering nickname for something he felt suited him a little more: Chip. That one came from UCLA strength coach, Mike Linn, who liked his overall approach to the game.