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UCLA Football: 5 Takeaways from Early Signing Day

By Mike Regalado

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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It was UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly’s first complete signing day with the Bruins as he was able to bring in 16 players. GJB takes a look at five things that stood out from Early Signing Day.

The UCLA football team has their early signees in, so what do we think about them? Let us check out five things that stood out on Early Signing Day.

RELATED: UCLA Football 2018 Early Signing Period Tracker

1. Kelly could have had a lot more

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It is not a secret that Chip Kelly and his staff missed out on several recruits in this cycle. Though Kelly was busy trying to put a football team together, it took some time for the recruiting board to take shape. Whether it was not staying in contact enough or taking more time than needed to evaluate talent, Kelly could have had more. Although, his intense evaluations did bring in a few (hopeful) gems.

2. The Bruins got a few surprises

It seems that every team gets a few surprises right at the deadline. The night before Early Signing Day it was reported that USC pulled an offer from DE Datona Jackson which prompted him to pick UCLA. That was a nice get. But the Bruins also had a two other below the radar pick ups. Later in the day we found out the Bruins landed 3-star WR Jaylen Erwin and 2-star OG Josh Carlin. Good talent which adds depth.

3. UCLA still has needs

As stated above, the Bruins missed on some key recruits especially at key positions. It would have been nice to bring in a player like Ralen Goforth at linebacker, a position group in dire need of help at UCLA, but instead, he is heading to USC. The Bruins now need to try and bring in 2 or 3 LBs by February. UCLA could also do with another QB, but it was not imperative. Still, having Jayden Daniels pick ASU over UCLA stung a bit.

4. The defensive line fared better than expected

In all honesty, UCLA was not expected to bring in any D-line recruits, but that is why signing day is so magical… anything can happen. The addition of Jackson will be big because he already has a few years with college football experience, so he should vie for a starting spot as soon as he gets to campus. But the Bruins also landed Siale Liku, a very large DT out of Oakland who will add some meat to the line.

5. There is still more coming in February

Some of you might be lamenting this class, but fear not. First off, Kelly knows how to evaluate, develop and coach, so these kids will be running on all cylinders in no time. But let us not forget, this was only the early signing period. We still have time to bring in more players.

Next. PODCAST: What's Bruin Show UCLA Football 2018 Early Signing Day Review. dark

There is at least one that is still committed, but did not sign early. That is TE Michael Martinez out of Mater Dei who will look to sign in February.