UCLA Football Gets Another 4-Star Commit: Welcome, Adarius Pickett

Nov 2, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Jim Mora is greeted by fans before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA continues to make their mark on the recruiting trail as they picked up another commitment from a highly sought after high school player. Adarius Pickett, the 6’0”, 180 lbs. cornerback out of El Cerrito High School is a 4-star recruit that is ranked 17^th at his position, per Scout.com. He is now a Bruin.

The great thing about this commit is that Pickett is fast. Kick-off returns, playing on the offensive side of the ball and doing secondary duties are some of the things this kid has no trouble with. The great things is, he is coming to Westwood as a cornerback. Check out his highlight reel here.

If you recall, at the beginning of this season, the biggest “weakness” on the Bruin defense was the secondary. UCLA held their own during the season, but head coach Jim Mora saw the need to strengthen the secondary and is doing that, in a big way, on the recruiting trail.   There is a lot to like about this kid, especially since he not only wants to be a Bruin, but wants to be one now!

Can any Bruins make this happen, if it has not already?

Pickett joins 4-star safety, Jaleel Wadood and 4-star cornerback, John Plattenburg, as the new guys in the secondary that will help UCLA next year (barring any redshirting). If the secondary was “weak” last season, it will be vastly improved next year, which is bad news for the Bruin’s opponents.

Not to focus too much on a pun, but that fact that UCLA has a defender with the name “Pickett” is a bit foretelling. Pickett has good hands, so using those skills to his advantage on the defensive side of the ball will make him dangerous, especially when Mora and Company get in there and start to develop this kid.

I bet you can’t wait for opening day 2014!

Still, the Bruins have a lot to do before then, namely, the Sun Bowl. Then there is national signing day. Then we have to get into spring ball. And then there is fall camp in San Bernardino. Oh, I can’t wait.

Welcome, Mr. Pickett!

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco