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UCLA Football: 2017 National Signing Day Position Group Report Card

By Mike Regalado

Oct 22, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora looks on during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora looks on during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line: A+

Jaelan Phillips, DE, 5* (Redlands East Valley HS/Redlands, CA) 6’6″, 250 lbs.

Greg Rogers, DT, 4*, (Arbor View HS/Las Vegas, NV) 6’4″, 298 lbs.

Martin Andrus, DT, 4* (Los Angeles Senior HS/Los Angeles, CA) 6’1″, 280 lbs.

Odua Isibor, DE, 3* (St. Mary’s HS/Phoenix, AZ) 6’5″, 235 lbs.

Defensive Line Coach Angus McClure put in the work and he is reaping the benefits. Knowing that he had several players leaving after the 2016 season, McClure went out and got UCLA some of the best talent around.

Linebackers: B

Rahyme Johnson, LB, 4* (Salesian HS/ Los Angeles, CA) 6’4″, 210 lbs.

If Johnson did not recommit, UCLA would have no LBs in this class. That is not good for a position group that might have depth issues in 2017. That means LB Coach Scott White has to really get down and dirty on the recruiting trail in 2018.

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Defensive Backs: A+

Darnay Homles, CB, 5* (Calabasas HS/Calabasas, CA) 5’10”, 195 lbs.

Elijah Gates, CB, 4* (Buena Park HS/Buena Park, CA) 5’11”, 170 lbs.

Jaylan Shaw, CB, 4* (Centennial HS/Corona, CA) 5’11”, 170 lbs.

Morrell Osling, CB, 3* (Antelope Valley HS/Lancaster, CA) 6’3″, 170 lbs.

Quentin Lake, CB, 3* (Mater Dei HS/Santa Ana, CA) 6’1″, 175 lbs.

Jim Mora doesn’t just want one or two good defensive backs, HE WANTS ALL THE DEFENSIVE BACKS!!! The Bruins cleaned up with this position group, as they usually seem to, and this class will help the secondary stay relevant for seasons to come.

Special Teams: C

None

There really was not a need for special teams in this class, but the Bruins should always look out for good talent. The only thing that worries me is that special teams is also led by Scott White, and as the coach of two position groups, only getting one player seems a bit underachieving.

Next: UCLA Football National Signing Day Recap

Overall Grade: B

Though there were a few areas that were not tended to as they should have been, the UCLA coaching staff made huge efforts in other areas, especially on the defensive side earned a Top 20 recruiting class ranking.