UCLA Football: National Signing Day position group report card

Defensive Backs: A-

★★★★ S Stephan Blaylock 5’10, 185 lbs., (St. John Bosco/Bellflower, CA)

★★★ CB Rayshad Williams 6’4, 183 lbs. (Whitehaven/Memphis, TN)

★★★ S Kenny Churchwell 6’2, 180 lbs., (Mountain Pointe/Phoenix, AZ)

★★★ ATH Patrick Jolly 6’1, 177 lbs., (Newsome/Lithia, FL)

★★★ CB Elisha Guidry 6’0, 177 lbs., (Vista Murrieta/Murrieta, CA)

★★★ S Je’Vari Anderson 6’0, 220 lbs., (Laney College/Oakland, CA)

Under JIm Mora, UCLA had prided this themselves on the recruiting, development and execution of their secondary and it looks like that trend will conintue wih Kelly, Azzinaro and DB coach Paul Rhoads.

The UCLA defensive backs that are currently on the roster already have a lot of talent and give the Bruins a lot of depth, so adding six new players just adds to a group that should continue to be successful for years to come.

This could also help out the linebacking crew. There could be several players that change positions and if a few of the UCLA DBs tack on mass or improve their game in certain areas, that would open up more minutes for players in the defensive backfield. Also consider that the defense could use the nickel back and the Bruins have plenty of players that could excel in that position.

As far as the new guys that are coming in, Kelly got what he was looking for… long and fast players. The Bruins’ biggest get, Stephan Blaylock (who is going to be a phenomenal player), is the only incoming DB that is under 6’0. It is going to be a fun time in the backfield the next few seasons.

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

As far as special teams, there is no pressing need to get any of these specialty players, so their grade is not necessary. But overall, the Bruins did a fantastic job recruiting.

OVERALL GRADE: B+