The UCLA Bruins recruiting class is headlined by the nation’s No. 1 recruit, defensive end Jaelan Phillips.
UCLA is coming off a down season, which had first seen them get ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll to open the year. They had sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen looking to improve off his freshman campaign and move into the national spotlight. However, the Bruins season would tailspin fast with Rosen going down with an injury, something that contributed to a final record of 4-8. This happened while USC ascended into the Rose Bowl game and became one of the top stories of the season.
A way of UCLA rebounding from this is via bringing in fresh faces for the 2017 team. Heading into National Signing Day, they already have two five-star recruits from 247Sports list—defensive end Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Darnay Holmes. Both should become immediate starters for a defense that struggled through the final five games of the season. Phillips is the No. 1 player on 247Sports Composite.
To fill out the top of the class, Jim Mora has four four-star recruits, including defensive tackle Greg Rogers. He committed to the school in November and should add to the rotation on the line in 2017.
Here is the list of UCLA commits, via 247Sports, and the list will be updated as announcements are made on National Signing Day.
To continue adding to the defensive line, UCLA could pick up three-star weak-side player, Alden Tofa. He would add depth behind Phillips and strong-side lineman, Cassius Peat. Insurance could be provided on the ends and inside the line.
Next: National Signing Day: Predicting Commitments
National Signing Day will be a crucial one for UCLA to continue developing their recruiting class. After a tumultuous 2016 season, this could be Mora’s last chance to build his team before moving onto the hot seat.