by Ross Coleman - Contributing Editor
December 11, 2009 01:09
It's been a while since we took a look at the recruiting going on for the Bruins and there has been some major news and some huge developments since the start of the season so why don't we look at the guys UCLA has committed right now and who is still out there that the Bruins are hoping to lock up on signing day.
So today we are going to stick with the offensive side of the ball where we have a more clear picture on the recruiting outlook.
One quote that I heard this week about how hard Rick Neuheisel has been working on recruiting is, "Rick Neuheisel is to recruiting as Tiger Woods is to womanizing." Signing day should prove this point further.
QB:
After getting turned down by a few prospects it felt like Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow were seemingly settling for Brett Nottingham from Monte Vista High School in Danville. However, after the Senior season that Nottingham put together, they may have found a real sleeper. Nottingham just finished his season with some real ridiculous numbers. Nottingham completed about 70 percent of his passes for 3,962 yards and 45 touchdowns. Nottingham looks to come in and add some depth and competition to the Quarterback rotation. But in the end look for him to redshirt and create some space between him and the three quarterbacks currently on the roster.
Status: Commit
RB:
This runningback class could end up being the best in the nation. The gem of the class is Malcolm Jones from Oaks Christian in Westlake. Jones was awarded the Gatorade National Player of the Year award this week, joining such greats as Emmitt Smith and Peyton Manning. Jones finished this season with 2,156 yards and 36 touchdowns on only 198 carries. Also, keep in mind that Jones rarely played in the second half of most games because Oaks Christian already had most games wrapped up. Jones could also play linebacker where he recorded 136 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He is a program changing recruit and will be a huge factor at UCLA for a while.
Status: Commit
Joining Jones is Jordan James from Corona High School. James is more of a speed back, but don't get me wrong, he is a 20 carry back. While someone like Jonathan Franklin is a speed back who rarely runs between the tackles James is a guy who thrives using his speed up the middle. He and Jones will be a formidable duo carrying the load for the Bruins.
Status: Commit
WR/TE:
Robert Woods from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena is the number one rated wide out in the nation, according to scout.com. He is also committed to playing for USC next year. But from all the reports going around lately the Bruins are not out of it for Wood's services. Coach Neuheisel has made Woods a priority for a position that UCLA already has great depth at. If Woods were to switch, he would be the third player from pass catching positions to do so over the last two years.
Status: Offered, committed to USC, still a chance
Wood's teammate Paul Richardson was the Bruin's first commitment for this year when he pledged to UCLA last spring. However, the Bruin legacy opened his recruitment up again this year. But don't read to much into that. He still heavily favors the Bruins and it is believe that he will be a Bruin when all is said and done. So much so that it would be a huge upset if he chose to go somewhere else.
Status: Offered, almost certainty he is a Bruin
The transfer of Joseph Fauria from Notre Dame to UCLA this spring really removed the pressing need for the Bruins to add a tight end in this class, however they got one anyway. John Young from Loyola High School in LA adds depth to the deepest position at UCLA. Young is however a good one and could even end up playing on the offensive line if he puts on some weight. The commitment of Young also helps to open up more inroads to Loyola High School which has always produced some good talent.
Status: Commit
OL:
At 6-foot-8-inches and 30o pounds Seantrel Henderson would be a huge prospect to land, both literally and figuratively. Unfortunately it is going to be difficult to get him to come west unless it is to go across town. He is also being recruited by Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC. Rumor has it USC is leading for him, but he has been very quiet during the duration of his recruitment.
Status: Offered, unlikely to be a Bruin
Kody Innes from Scottsdale, Arizona was almost a surprise commit. However he is a typical offensive linemen that could provide depth for the Bruins. He could end up being a real sleeper in this class, almost like Jeff Baca from two years ago. He is a redshirt candidate but is a good get for the Bruins.
Status: Commit
Chris Ward from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana added his name to the Bruins commitment list almost immediately after Malcolm Jones announced his intention to go to UCLA. Not only was he a priority but he, like Jones, came from a school that UCLA has never recruited well. So for the Bruins to get both Jones and Ward within a week of each other was in a word, mammoth. Ward is a college ready guard who will challenge for a spot in the rotation almost immediately.
Status: Commit
Sil Ajawara is another candidate for the uncommitted-who-will-likely-be-a-Bruin-list. He has been a fast rising and much improved player. He is a redshirt candidate who, once he gets used to the college game, will be a great pick up. Ajawara will announce his decision most likely in the next week or two.
Status: Offered, likely a Bruin
Wade Yandall is almost the same description as Sil Ajawara, however he is even closer to being a Bruin. Yandall also has the size and weight needed to make an immediate impact. Yandall did recently visit Arizona State and it looks like it will be one or the other for Yandall.
Status: Offered, likely a Bruin
We will look at the defensive side of the ball next time. There are a lot more question marks and a lot more of an impact to be made by recruits immediately. So look for that next time.