UCLA Football Recruiting: DE Hunter Echols Decommits, So Where Is Recruiting Now?

By Mike Regalado | Jul 23, 2016

Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

In a somewhat surprising move, 4-star defensive end Hunter Echols decommited from UCLA football.

Yesterday, 5-star defensive end Hunter Echols confirmed what several UCLA Football fans have feared… he has decommitted from the Bruins.

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Echols had given his commitment to the Bruins back in February, but it never actually felt solid. Well now we know why.

Greg Biggins of Scout.com had talked to Echols about his decision, “When I first committed, I felt like I rushed in to it a little because UCLA was my dream school and it is where I always wanted to go. I still wanted to take my official visits and UCLA was always good with that but I think it’s best for me to take a step back here and make sure I’m doing the right thing.”

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Echols said he is still considering UCLA and maintains his relationship with Bruin defensive line coach Angus McClure.

Still, until he re-commits, this is not good for the UCLA Football team who are now down to only four committed players for 2017: OT Ronald Rudd III, CB Jeffrey Manning, DE Jaelan Phillips and OT Kanan Ray.

This decommitment adds to the already up and down recruiting process the Bruins have gone through in the last several months.

In the last few weeks UCLA was able to get commitments from Rudd and Manning but that is only after the Bruins had decommitments from Rahyme Johnson and Rhedi Short as well as losing out on big time recruit Tate Martell to Ohio State.

Though losing commits is concerning, it is nothing to completely worry about. Until they sign that letter of intent, the recruiting process will always be unknown.

I have officially de committed from UCLA. I want to thank The coaches and Fans for the love and support
— HUNTER (@hunter_tyb) July 23, 2016

Next: Is UCLA's Recruitng Process Slowing Down?

The Bruins are still in the running for some highly-touted recruits and though the commitment list seems thin now, it will definitely grow by next signing day.