UCLA Football’s National Signing Day 2014 Primer

If you thought UCLA had a big National Signing Day last year, then National Signing Day 2014 will blow your minds!

Last year, UCLA had a Top 5 class that included guys that made an instant impact in their first season with the Bruins. Will they be able to repeat the effort with some stud signings this year? Hers’s hoping.

Before we get into all of that, let us quickly recognize what head coach Jim Mora and his staff has done for the Bruins. Not only are they getting things done on the field, but now he is taking in top recruiting classes. With the help of Adrian Klemm, Demetrice Martin, Noel Mazzone, Taylor Mazzone, Angus McClure and Kennedy Polamalu, the Bruins are looking to make big things happen for this year’s signing day. And now, on to the recruits…

WHO’S COMMITTED?

Name, Pos., Hometown (School), Height, Weight, Rating Per Scout.com Recruiting

Matt Dickerson, DE, San Mateo, CA (Junipero Serra), 6’5″, 260 lbs., 4-star

Denzel Fisher, CB, Compton, CA (Centennial), 6’2″, 170 lbs., 3-star

Cameron Griffin, MLB, Los Angeles, CA (View Park), 6’3″, 210 lbs., 3-star

Jordan Lasley, WR, Gardena, CA (Junipero Serra), 6’2″, 180 lbs., 3-star

Kolton Miller, OT, Roseville, Ca (Roseville), 6’8″, 280 lbs., 3-star

Adarius Pickett, CB, El Cerrito, CA (El Cerrito),  6’0″, 185 lbs., 4-star

Austin Roberts, WR, Carmel, IN (Carmel), 6’2″, 221 lbs., 4-star

Ron Robinson, S, Corona, CA (Santiago), 6’2″, 195 lbs., 3-star

Aaron Sharp, QB, Houston, TX (Summer Creek), 6’3″, 190 lbs., 3-star

Nathan Starks, RB, Englewood, CO (Cherry Creek), 6’0″, 190 lbs., 4-star

Ainuu Taia, DT, Lompoc, CA (Lompoc), 6’1″, 270 lbs., 4-star

Najee Toran, C, Galena Park, TX (North Shore), 6’3″, 258 lbs., 3-star

Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, DE, Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco), 6’4″, 265 lbs., 4-star

Alex Van Dyke, WR, Elk Grove, CA (Cosumnes Oaks), 6’4″, 210 lbs., 4-star

Jaleel Wadood, S, Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco), 5’11″, 170 lbs., 4-star

Zach Whitley, MLB, Galena Park, TX (North Shore), 6’2″, 220 lbs., 4-star

Dwight Williams, OLB, Gardena, CA (Junipero Serra), 6’1″, 212 lbs., 3-star

THE BATTLE GROUND

 Who Is Likely To Commit?

Budda Baker, S, Bellevue, WA (Bellevue), 5’10”, 177 lbs., 4-star: Baker was actually committed to Oregon, but after a rethink, he stated that Eugene, OR was not the place for him. Since then he has been courted by Washington and UCLA. Stories have emerged from both camps that each seem to have an edge, but really, we will not until signing day. Will he stay close to home in Washington or does he want to use his talents in a system that has been in place for two years with Jim Mora and UCLA?

Kenny Young, MLB, River Ridge, LA (John Curtis Christian), 6’2″, 225 lbs., 4-star: Young has offers from all around the South but it may look like he will bring his talents west. The Bruins have been doing a spectacular job developing their linebackers and this may be just what the Louisiana native wants for his career.

The Toss-Ups

Malachi Dupre, WR, River Ridge, LA (John Curtis Christian), 6’3″, 195 lbs., 5-star: Now think about this for the future, let us say that UCLA lands Dupre and Young, that would really strengthen UCLA’s pipeline to the South, really sticking it to SEC country, but one thing at a time. Dupre is a kid that can get down the field. Having him in the arsenal for the Bruins would vastly improve their air attack, especially since the Bruins already have two 4-star WRs joining the squad with him next fall.

Adoree Jackson, CB, Gardena, CA (Junipero Serra), 5’10”, 170 lbs., 5-star: Sources told twitter that Jackson took some sort of visit to Westwood over the weekend. You know, for a last minute chat. Jackson has offers from Florida, LSU and USC, but some think he might be a UCLA lean. If committed, Jackson would strengthen one of the Bruin’s weaknesses for the next few years.

They Might Be Gone

Rashaan Evans, OLB, Auburn, AL (Auburn), 6’3″, 218 lbs., 5-star: UCLA was a long shot for Evans, but somehow they found themselves part of the Alabama native’s Top 3. All three schools were apparently all equal in the running for the linebacker a week ago, but recently it has been said that Evans might want to stay closer to home, If not, this is a big get for UCLA.

JuJu Smith, S, Long Beach, CA (Long Beach Poly), 6’1″, 185 lbs., 5-star: You cannot always trust Twitter, but you can speculate. Apparently after a team banquet over the weekend, he said “Go Ducks!” after a speech. Did he spill the beans or is he throwing every one off his scent? We will find out for sure on Wednesday.

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco