UCLA Football adds Fontana native Jonathan Perkins in a move that helps ensure a strong defense for seasons to come.
UCLA Football strengthened the future of it’s linbacking corps with the addition of outside linebacker Jonathan Perkins. The junior from Summit High School in Fontana, Calif., will join the Bruins in 2019.
By this time, incoming number one outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips should be ready to lead the unit, and mentor the young Perkins.
Perkins received an offer from in February, and immediately moved the school to the top of his list. After taking part in the UCLA Elite Camp on Friday, Perkins knew the Bruins were the right team for him.
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Perkins told Scout.com, “I’ve always wanted to go to UCLA. Committing is something I’ve been thinking about doing for awhile now. I was on campus yesterday for the Elite Camp and everything just felt right to me. I love the coaching staff and the opportunity to play close to my friends and family was too much to pass up.”
At 6’0″ and 195 pounds, Perkins is undersized for a linebacker. In comparison, Phillips stands at 6’5″ 255 pounds. What Perkins lacks in stature, he makes up for in speed and patience. He has a knack for anticipating snap counts, and has the agility to burst through the offensive line to disrupt plays in the backfield.
He also watches plays develop before committing to a player to pursue, and has quick lateral movement to help bring down the ball carrier. These traits will help Perkins when facing the option offense, as he can identify the right target to tackle, and ensure they don’t make it to the secondary.
Perkins’ size could allow for him to line up as a safety, a position he does play occasionally at Summit. However, his strength is in stopping the run, as he still needs to make strides in pass coverage. Until he does, Perkins will not be able to line up as a safety for UCLA consistently.
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The Bruins have ensured that their defense will be a strength in future seasons with the addition of Perkins. He still has time to add weight to his frame, and strengthen the weaknesses in his game. When he arrives at UCLA, he should be able to make immediate contributions.