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Nike NorCal notes...

EdwardLewis

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2011
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Just made it back from the Bay Area, where Nike held another Opening Regional camp. Outside of offensive line, it wasn't a very loaded field at all, and a new camp format meant I couldn't watch WRs/DBs, but here were my notes nonetheless:

-Finally saw UCLA commit Blake McDonald in person. I thought he'd be better. He's not terrible, but he lost a lot of reps and needs to tighten up his body a bit. In a stacked OL field today, McDonald was probably only the fourth or fifth best O-line prospect out there. Regardless, he told me he's "110 percent" committed and isn't listening to other schools.

-We were all supposed to get our first look at UCLA LB commit Isaiah Johnson today, but he aggravated a hamstring in SPARQ testing and went home. Huge bummer. I heard he's still fully committed to UCLA and is going to early enroll.

-Spoke with two guys who should be UCLA pledges shortly. Offensive lineman Jacob Isaia told me he was "thiiiiiiiiiiiiis close" to committing at UCLA's spring game last month. Defensive lineman Niti Liu told me UCLA is his favorite school and it doesn't sound too close.I liked both prospects a lot today. Isaia is still a little undersized, but he has great technique and wins all of his reps. Liu was a little firehydrant DT that Angus McClue has thrived with. I'd probably have Isaia as a low four-star and Liu as a high three-star.

-Will Craig was the revelation of camp for me. He absolutely dominated at tackle and won the MVP award over some very good players. I spoke with him after the camp and it sure sounds like it's a UCLA-Oregon battle here. Craig wants to make a decision in the next two or three months.

-Penei Sewell was also really good today, using his big body to wall off defenders. I have no idea how the rumor that he was back interested in UCLA got started, though. When I talked to him, he couldn't even remember coach Fraley's name. I'm pretty sure he's going to USC.

-Offensive lineman Brandon Mello is still high on UCLA, but will take his time. He didn't win a ton of reps today, but he has a pretty ideal tackle frame and some good athleticism.

-Defensive back D'Angelo McKenzie told me it's still Notre Dame and UCLA on top of his list and he could be making a pledge soon. If he does commit within the next few weeks, I've got UCLA here.

-Linebacker Brandon Kaho told me he's interested in UCLA, but he's still a BYU commit and he's still planning to take his mission straight out of high school.

-Defensive lineman Tyler Manoa is a physically great looking prospect. UCLA just offered, but the big DT told me he's still keeping his top five and UCLA isn't in it.

Will have video and interviews up all week from the camp. Stay tuned.
 
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