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UCLA Football Recruiting: 4-Star CB Elijah Gates Commits to the Bruins

By Mike Regalado

Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins cornerback Fabian Moreau (10) celebrates his interception against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins cornerback Fabian Moreau (10) celebrates his interception against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The secondary of the UCLA Football team is going to be deep next season as the Bruins just landed their fifth defensive backs as 4-star cornerback Elijah Gates will be heading to Westwood.

Things continue to look up for the UCLA Football team in recruiting on the defensive side of the ball. Today, the Bruins got their 10th commitment from a defensive player, bringing their total to 17.

Elijah Gates (Buena Park HS/Buena Park, CA) is the latest recruit to commit to Jim Mora and his Bruins. According to Scout.com, the 5’11”, 170 lbs. Gates is the 5th highest rated CB in the West.

Gates is the fifth defensive back to give their pledge to the Bruins. UCLA currently has commitments from 5* CB Darnay Holmes, 4* CB Jaylan Shaw, 3* S Quentin Lake and 3* CB Morrell Osling.

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Needless to say the Bruins are going to be deep in the secondary for years to come. The Bruins already have several excellent athletes that play in the secondary, which might cause a logjam, but unlike other position the Bruins have been recruiting for, it is better to have more than less.

As for Gates, he should make a name for himself the moment he steps onto campus. In high school he was an two-way player, handling both cornerback and receiver duties.

Gates has excellent hands and is quite the speedster. On offense, if he has a little bit of space just after a catch, he will run through defensive gaps, usually breaking away from defenders.. On top of that he has excellent lateral movement which allows him to get around obstacles.

On defense, Gates becomes the obstacle as he is an excellent on-ball defender. Not only does he leave little room for receivers to operate, but he is also able to zero-in on potential receptions and does a fantastic job of knocking balls away.

Gates has a lot of raw talent, but some that could see some early playing time, as Mora is not afraid to use true freshmen.

Next: Bruins Hire DeShaun Foster as RB Coach, Hank Fraley as OL Coach

Welcome to Westwood, Elijah! Go Bruins!