UCLA Football Recruiting: Biggest needs for National Signing Day

With National Signing Day exactly one week away, Go Joe Bruin takes a look at the recruiting needs of the UCLA football team and possible commitments.

Since Chip Kelly has taken over the reins of the UCLA football team, he has been quite active on the recruiting trail. In the last week alone, he landed five commitments which has broken UCLA into the top 20 of the 247Sports 2018 recruiting class rankings.

The Bruins’ coaching staff continues to put in work and this next week will be no different as more players are expected to pledge their allegiance to UCLA. The Bruins could have an influx of players that will add to the depth at certain positions, but there are a few groups that desperately need a few more bodies.

Before we look at what UCLA needs, let us check out the breakdown of current commits and players signed as of January 31…

UCLA Football Recruiting – Commits/Signings by Position

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Quarterbacks: 1

4* QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (C)

Running Backs: 1

3* RB Kazmeir Allen (LOI)

Wide Receivers: 5

4* WR (ATH) Bryan Addison (LOI)
4* WR Chase Cota (LOI)
4* WR Kyle Phillips (LOI)
3* WR Delon Hurt (C)
3* WR CJ Parks (C)

Tight Ends: 1

3* TE Matt Alaimo (C)

Offensive Line: 2

4* OG Chris Murray (C)
3* OT Alec Anderson (LOI)

Defensve Line: 3

4* DE Elijah Wade (C)
3* DT Antonio Mafi (LOI)
2* DT Baraka Beckett (C)

Linebackers: 1

4* LB Bo Calvert (LOI)

Defensive Backs: 5

4* S Stephan Blaylock (LOI)
3* S Kenny Churchill (C)
3* CB (ATH) Patrick Jolly (C)
3* CB Elisha Guidry (C)
3* S Je’Vari Anderson (C)

Special Teams: 0

C – committed, LOI – signed Letter of Intent

There are a few positions that are set and UCLA is doing fine with their commitment from dual-threat QB Thompson-Robinson, they just need him to put ink to paper.

The running back situation is stable as the current roster has several players at RB, though they could use a few more. UCLA already landed a signature from speedster Allen, but could do with another. As GJB recruiting expert Michael Hanna predicts, something could be Bruin with Arizona commit, 3-star Martell Irby.

WESTWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA’s new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

Kelly has more than addressed the depth issue at receiver as the Bruins have five players either committed or signed, but don’t be surprised if the Bruins get another by next week.

The tight ends are another group that have depth, but that won’t stop the Bruins from getting a few more. Four-star Michael Ezeike has warmed up to the Bruins and could both be heading to Westwood.

***UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published, 3-star Matt Alaimo committed to UCLA.***

Offensive line is one three groups that is desperate need of bodies. So far two players are going the way of blue and gold, but the Bruins could do with 2-3 more. Three-star tackle Jarrett Patterson is said to be leaning toward UCLA (which would be a huge pick up), but they need at least one more.

The defensive line is in good shape, but they could do even better, especially since there are three players that are eyeing UCLA. Be on the look out for 4-star Tyler Manoa, 3-star Otto Ogbonnia and 2-star Steven Mason.

Linebacker depth has been an issue for a few seasons and as much as Kelly has tried to address it, his staff has so far only landed 4-star Bo Calvert (flipped from USC). Since new defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro will use a 3-4 scheme, UCLA is in dire need of more linebackers. The Bruins seem to be in the running for 4-star Soloman Tuliaupupu, but he could be heading across town. There is also a chance the Bruins are in the running for Oregon commit, Eli’jah Wnston, but beyond that, UCLA needs to find one or two more LBs.

As you can see, Azzinaro and his coaches have done a bang up job of grabbing several defensive backs, so this position group is more than set.

Next: The 30 Greatest UCLA Football Players of All-Time

Finally, there are no special teams commits, but UCLA is already doing fine at the long snapper, punter and kicker positions on the current roster. With one week left until signing day, Go Joe Bruin has everything you need regarding UCLA recruiting. Also make sure to follow us on Twitter (@GoJoeBruinUCLA) to get instant reaction.