The UCLA Football team got their first commitment from an offensive lineman for 2018 as 3-star tackle Blake McDonald has committed to the Bruins.
Depth on the offensive line is always needed and the UCLA Football team got their first commit on Saturday for the 2018 class as Blake McDonald (San Ramon Valley HS/Danville, CA) has given his pledge to the Bruins.
McDonald had attended UCLA’s Spring Practice on Saturday morning and was apparently so impressed that he decided to commit right then and there.
McDonald is the fourth player to commit to the Bruins for next season as they have DT Aaron Maldonado, ATH Isaiah Johnson and S Jhevon Hill, all of whom are 3-star ranked per Scout.com.
The 6’4″, 290 lbs. McDonald is a very strong and agile lineman. He has the ability to be pulled from one side of the line to the other. Not only can he initiate an immediate block on the line but can seek out blocks that help open up lanes. He also has the ability to lock up and isolate potential pass rushers.
He will need to work on his lateral foot speed, though he moves pretty quickly for a lineman in general. McDonald also moves fairly quickly in the open field as he assists on running plays and blocking defenders down field.
McDonald had talked about his recruitment with Bruin Report Online
and spoke about what current OL Coach Hank Fraley wants of him, “He is trying to build an offensive line that he wants to coach up. Coach Fraley told me he liked me as a player because I could play tackle or guard for them, and that I don’t really have a set position heading in.”
Next: UCLA Football's First Day in Pads
With the Bruins moving in a different direction this year on offense, the coaches are looking for future players to help carry out that vision. McDonald is a player that has a lot of upside and if he is willing to be molded to the standards of the UCLA coaching staff, then he should fit in very nicely.
Welcome to Westwood, Blake!