Leland Smith was an under the radar addition by UCLA

Leland Smith was an intriguing name that UCLA picked up on Wednesday. The wide receiver will now be on his third team in his three college years. But was very effective for San Jose State last year. Catching 43 passes for 688 yards and three touchdowns. He is a tall receiver standing at 6’4 and has good size at 215 pounds. Giving Nico Iamaleava two big targets to work with as Landon Ellis also signed with UCLA on Wednesday. These are the type of upgrades that UCLA was looking for going into this offseason.

It is no secret that the offense struggled last season. Part of it was due to not having much time to throw with the offensive line breaking down. But with UCLA shoring that up over the last few days with Riley Robell being the big one. UCLA needed to retool the offense with players to be able to make plays. Smith, Ellis, Aidan Mizell and Wayne Knight will go a long way in doing that. We expected Bob Chesney to make moves, and he is doing that and more to speed this process up.

Smith will now get a second chance at a power four school. He spent his freshman season at Purdue. But limited opportunities led to only six catches and 72 yards. Moving to the Mountain West allowed him to display his talent and be able to move back to the Big Ten. Equipped with big play ability to win contested matchups with size. Smith will be better suited this time around at a power four school to make an impact.

UCLA is not looking to make this a long rebuild process. Along with James Madison commits, Chesney is retooling both the offense and defense. Well, also getting former transfer portal players to change their mind and go back to UCLA. Such as Cole Martin and Scooter Jackson. The vibes are high for UCLA and there are still plenty more moves to be coming. It is a fun time to be a UCLA fan right now.