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UCLA Football: Bruins flip LB Tyree Thompson from Vanderbilt

By Mike Regalado

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Kenny Young
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Kenny Young /
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The UCLA football team got another commitment on Saturday as 3-star LB Tyree Thompson flipped to UCLA from Vanderbilt and gives a bit more depth to a position group that is in dire need of bodies.

In the last week alone, the UCLA football team has received four commitments from players, bringing their 2018 class total to 22. The most recent commit comes from Tyree Thompson (Los Angeles Valley College/Van Nuys, CA) who will be stay home to play Divison I ball in Westwood rather than traveling across the country.

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Not only is this another surprise commit, but one that helps with a position group that is desperate for depth. Thompson is only the second linebacker in the 2018 class after 4-star Bo Calvert flipped from USC back in December. UCLA has been lacking in LB recruiting the last few years and it is essential that the Bruins get more players at these positions, especially with new defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro running a 3-4 scheme.

Thompson is an elusive player. He has excellent vision and timing which allows him to throw off blockers with his delayed rush skills. By waiting an extra second, he can disguise his assignment and attack when its not expected. This allows him to get in between the gaps and get to the backfield with ease.

Thompson has good speed and tackling fundamentals which allows him to wrap up and take down ball carriers at the point of contact. He also has good zone presence and is able to track down opponents on the run.

With National Signing Day just three days away (Wednesday, February 7), UCLA is in good shape to land a top 15 class. With the addition of Thompson, they are currently 17th in the 247Sports 2018 recruiting class rankings.

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The Bruins should be able to move up some more as it they are expected to land a few more key recruits, especially at positions of need like linebacker and offensive line.

Welcome to Westwood, Tyree!