UCLA Football Recruiting Profiles: Breaking Down Bruins’ Signees—Asiantii Woulard

Asiantii Woulard (2), Credit: Woulard’s Public Twitter Account

The fifth edition of Go Joe Bruin’s 26-part recruiting series hones in on Asiantii Woulard, a 4-star dual-threat quarterback from Winter Park, Fla. who chose to come West for his college years.

UCLA’s 2013 class is stuffed to the gills with elite defensive prospects, so Woulard is the first offensive player to be covered in this series, following defenders Priest Willis, Tahaan Goodman, Kylie Fitts and Isaac Savaiinaea. But the 6’4″, 200-pound signal caller was well worth the wait, as he is considered the No. 1 dual-threat prospect in the nation (according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings).

The fact that Jim Mora was able to head deep into SEC country and pluck a top-rated recruit shows how much pull the new regime in Westwood has. Woulard is just one of many out-of-state gets for UCLA this year. In fact, 11 of the 26 new signees are from outside of California, including five of the Bruins’ top eight recruits.

The diverse collection of talent that Mora and Co. have brought together is truly impressive, so it’s no wonder UCLA’s class is ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12. But had it not been for Woulard’s commitment, that other school from across town might have ended up on top. Thankfully, the Trojans tanked and the Bruins were there to take advantage.

The U.S. Army All-American was considering a number of programs before he pledged to the Bruins. In addition to UCLA, Woulard had taken officials visits to N.C. State, USF, Kentucky and Clemson, and many thought the Tigers would end up with his verbal. The Bulls figured to be in the mix too, as he was formerly committed to head to Tampa.

But in the end, Woulard wanted Westwood, and the Bruin faithful couldn’t be happier.

Of all the new Bruins who signed earlier this month, Woulard is probably the most talented prospect who won’t see the field in his first year. Rising redshirt sophomore Brett Hundley has the starting duties locked up heading into the 2013 season, and highly-touted 2012 recruits Devin Fuller and T.J. Millweard are already waiting in the wings.

So barring any sort of position change, it seems likely that Woulard will redshirt in 2013 to preserve his eligibilty. It is possible that he could end up like Fuller, playing wideout to take advantage of his superb athleticism, but I don’t see that happening. Woulard is a bona fide baller under center, and his value is highest at the quarterback position.

Asiantii Woulard with Trent Dilfer at the Elite 11, Photo Credit: Woulard’s Public Twitter Account

For proof, just ask former NFL QB and current television analyst, Trent Dilfer. The Super Bowl XXXV champion had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at Woulard back in June at the 2012 Elite 11, a skill competition for the nation’s premiere passing prospects.

Woulard’s excellent performance earned him MVP honors at the camp, and Dilfer’s praise for the young star was gushing. Dilfer was quoted saying the following about Woulard and his potential.

"I call him my high ceiling guy of the group. Asiantii’s only been playing quarterback for one year. His ceiling is so high because he is a fluid athlete and has a beautiful stroke. Most importantly to me, he’s a fierce competitor that has a thirst to learn. … We think Asiantii Woulard is going to be a tremendous success in college and maybe even the NFL."

Needless to say, Woulard’s signing has the Bruin fan base stoked for the future, and for good reason. As Jim Mora builds towards the ultimate goal of winning championships, Woulard could be the future of a newly-formed UCLA dynasty.