Don't count on Kelley
UCLA has made it clear over the past few months that its top 2017 quarterback priority is Basha's Ryan Kelley. The four-star has made it clear, too, that he's heavily interested in the Bruins, giving them a few visits and putting them in his final list.
Yet when Kelley announces his commitment Wednesday, don't expect UCLA to be the choice.
We've been hearing murmurs since Kelley's visit to Oregon a few weeks ago that the Ducks were the leader. And a source in Oregon told Rivals.com he was “pretty convinced” Kelley would “quack” this week, citing the high interest Kelley showed while on campus earlier this season and the interaction he has had with some current Duck commits since then. It is believed that Mark Helfrich’s pressure actually accelerated the recruiting process for Kelley, who initially intended to make a decision in the spring or summer heading into his senior season. Kelley is the only 2017 quarterback the Ducks have offered.
And, per a source closer to the UCLA side of things, we're hearing Kelley has hinted to UCLA that he will pick the Ducks this week as well.
UCLA's other offerees in 2017, Dylan McCaffrey (Michigan) and Tua Tagovailoa (USC), don't appear to be leaning toward the Bruins either. It's still early, though, and local players like Tristan Gebbia and Tyler Lytle have shown some flashes. UCLA also looks to be in good shape for Georgia QB Davis Mills. Plus, UCLA feels good early for 2018 stud Matt Corral and 2018 dual-threat prospect Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who backs up Tate Martell at Bishop Gorman.
Here's the latest on Thompson-Robinson, per Blair Angulo: "There is no offer from the Bruins just yet -- sophomore Matt Corral of Oaks Christian looks like the top target at the moment -- but Thompson-Robinson has garnered his share of attention.
Wide receiver Brevin Jordan says UCLA is heavily recruiting Bishop Gorman’s 2018 class and it’s making quite the impact.
'That’s me and Dorian’s first choice right now,' Jordan said. 'We love the area, the academics and the football aspect. I love the way UCLA handles the tight end spot. That’s where Dorian and I want to go. That’s where Rasheed (Nailor) wants to go, too. We all like UCLA. I can’t wait to get out there in the summer.'"
Pittman speaks
Last week, in speaking with a source close to the situation, we heard several members of Michael Pittman's family are pushing him toward UCLA, and a flip could be in the cards. But Pittman told our Adam Gorney on Friday night that everything could hinge on USC's coaching staff.
"I think that USC has a great coach," Pittman said. "They’ve got coach Tee (Martin), they've got coach (Clay) Helton at head coach and I'm really hoping that he stays head coach because he's doing a great job. The connections they have with the players and the stuff that they do and basically what the other players have told me, like JuJu, Sua and (Adoree') Jackson, it's just like listening to those guys because you want to get to their level."
The vibe Gorney got from Pittman after being around him and the team Friday night was the head coaching search and subsequent hire could change everything with Pittman's pledge.
"Nothing is secure with USC yet, so of course you have to have a plan," Pittman said. "So that's kind of how I'm taking it."
As for what UCLA is telling him, Pittman said: "They want me to take an official visit, and I haven't set a date yet. But that might not happen."
Pittman said he's scheduled his USC visit for the UCLA game at the end of the month.
O-line update
With Tramonda Moore likely out of the equation for UCLA now because of academic concerns, we've heard there's a growing sense of optimism in Westwood that the Bruins could have both Alex Akingbulu and Michael Alves if they ultimately end up wanting them. Akingbulu is slated to visit on Jan. 22. Alves was scheduled to visit next weekend for the Wazzu game, but we've heard Jim Mora would prefer players to visit after the season now. So we'll see if that stands. If he does come, don't be surprised if there's a commitment next week.
Friday night lights updates
I was out at Dorsey-Crenshaw, Gorney was out at Oaks Christian-Westlake and Blair Angulo was out at L.A. High vs. Hawkins. Here were the notes:
*UCLA just recently offered three-star D-lineman Nahje Flowers, and he underwhelmed to say the least. He's athletic, but he's underweight, had zero pass-rushing moves and was not productive at all. It was just one game, but based on that performance, it'd be a reach to think he'd be a contributor at UCLA any time soon.
*This is the second time I've caught Marquis Lawson, and it's definitely safe to say he'll be an offensive player at UCLA. He now plays safety on defense, forgoing reps at cornerback, which is what some thought he might play with the Bruins. On offense, he continued to be a playmaker, logging big gains on catches. He had some exciting kick returns too. I'd expect him to be a Darren Andrews type in Westwood.
*On Pittman, Gorney wrote: "Pittman was fantastic. The four-star receiver opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The next time Oaks Christian got the ball, Pittman returned the kick again about 96 yards for a score but it was called back because of a questionable block in the back penalty.
Then on offense Pittman absolutely dominated. The USC pledge (who is still taking a look at UCLA) had touchdown receptions of 29 and 55 yards and then two other catches that took the ball down to the 1-yard line. If luck went his way, Pittman could have ended the night with six scores.
The Oaks Christian prospect has excellent size at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, surprising speed and he's a terrific route runner with great hands. It's a loaded class at receiver in California but no doubt Pittman is one of the best."
*On Corral, Gorney wrote: "I was surprised by just how advanced 2018 quarterback Matt Corral is at quarterback for Oaks Christian.
The sophomore who has already landed offers from USC and UCLA has a tremendous arm, zips the ball all over the field (his favorite target is obviously Pittman) and he's impressively accurate throwing on the run.
The 2018 recruit has poise and toughness, too. On a bad snap, Corral scooped it up, settled himself and still made the completion. On a quarterback run later in the game, Corral broke some tackles, stayed in-bounds and gained extra yards down toward the goal line.
In a big setting, Corral looked completely comfortable and he's proving to be one of the top young quarterbacks in the country."
*Angulo on his trip: "Los Angeles High strongside defensive end Martin Andrus has some big-time offers for a junior, including Stanford and USC, to go along with interest from the likes of Florida State and LSU, but we heard Friday afternoon the Bruins have as good a shot at him as any program early on. UCLA has done a great job recruiting the City Section in recent years and Andrus looks like the top prospect in next year’s group, so he’s sure to earn his share of attention.
Andrus was impressive against Hawkins High on Friday, looking like the perfect fit for the 3-technique spot the Bruins have built their fronts on in recent years. He’s built well physically and athletic enough to double as fullback.
On the other side, Hawkins wide receiver Jalen Hall looks destined for a five-star rating in the 2018 class and said he’s really cool with the UCLA coaches early on."
Short Shots
-Four-star DB Lamar Jackson visited Nebraska this week, exhausting all five of his officials. He's long been thought to be USC's to lose, but he and a source close to his recruitment reiterated to our USC site that if Helton isn't retained, the Trojans will likely be out of it. Jackson told Rivals.com this week that he'll likely make a return trip to Los Angeles for unofficials to UCLA/USC soon .
-Four-star DL Amani Bledsoe told Rivals.com he's planning an official visit to UCLA in the second week of December.
UCLA has made it clear over the past few months that its top 2017 quarterback priority is Basha's Ryan Kelley. The four-star has made it clear, too, that he's heavily interested in the Bruins, giving them a few visits and putting them in his final list.
Yet when Kelley announces his commitment Wednesday, don't expect UCLA to be the choice.
We've been hearing murmurs since Kelley's visit to Oregon a few weeks ago that the Ducks were the leader. And a source in Oregon told Rivals.com he was “pretty convinced” Kelley would “quack” this week, citing the high interest Kelley showed while on campus earlier this season and the interaction he has had with some current Duck commits since then. It is believed that Mark Helfrich’s pressure actually accelerated the recruiting process for Kelley, who initially intended to make a decision in the spring or summer heading into his senior season. Kelley is the only 2017 quarterback the Ducks have offered.
And, per a source closer to the UCLA side of things, we're hearing Kelley has hinted to UCLA that he will pick the Ducks this week as well.
UCLA's other offerees in 2017, Dylan McCaffrey (Michigan) and Tua Tagovailoa (USC), don't appear to be leaning toward the Bruins either. It's still early, though, and local players like Tristan Gebbia and Tyler Lytle have shown some flashes. UCLA also looks to be in good shape for Georgia QB Davis Mills. Plus, UCLA feels good early for 2018 stud Matt Corral and 2018 dual-threat prospect Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who backs up Tate Martell at Bishop Gorman.
Here's the latest on Thompson-Robinson, per Blair Angulo: "There is no offer from the Bruins just yet -- sophomore Matt Corral of Oaks Christian looks like the top target at the moment -- but Thompson-Robinson has garnered his share of attention.
Wide receiver Brevin Jordan says UCLA is heavily recruiting Bishop Gorman’s 2018 class and it’s making quite the impact.
'That’s me and Dorian’s first choice right now,' Jordan said. 'We love the area, the academics and the football aspect. I love the way UCLA handles the tight end spot. That’s where Dorian and I want to go. That’s where Rasheed (Nailor) wants to go, too. We all like UCLA. I can’t wait to get out there in the summer.'"
Pittman speaks
Last week, in speaking with a source close to the situation, we heard several members of Michael Pittman's family are pushing him toward UCLA, and a flip could be in the cards. But Pittman told our Adam Gorney on Friday night that everything could hinge on USC's coaching staff.
"I think that USC has a great coach," Pittman said. "They’ve got coach Tee (Martin), they've got coach (Clay) Helton at head coach and I'm really hoping that he stays head coach because he's doing a great job. The connections they have with the players and the stuff that they do and basically what the other players have told me, like JuJu, Sua and (Adoree') Jackson, it's just like listening to those guys because you want to get to their level."
The vibe Gorney got from Pittman after being around him and the team Friday night was the head coaching search and subsequent hire could change everything with Pittman's pledge.
"Nothing is secure with USC yet, so of course you have to have a plan," Pittman said. "So that's kind of how I'm taking it."
As for what UCLA is telling him, Pittman said: "They want me to take an official visit, and I haven't set a date yet. But that might not happen."
Pittman said he's scheduled his USC visit for the UCLA game at the end of the month.
O-line update
With Tramonda Moore likely out of the equation for UCLA now because of academic concerns, we've heard there's a growing sense of optimism in Westwood that the Bruins could have both Alex Akingbulu and Michael Alves if they ultimately end up wanting them. Akingbulu is slated to visit on Jan. 22. Alves was scheduled to visit next weekend for the Wazzu game, but we've heard Jim Mora would prefer players to visit after the season now. So we'll see if that stands. If he does come, don't be surprised if there's a commitment next week.
Friday night lights updates
I was out at Dorsey-Crenshaw, Gorney was out at Oaks Christian-Westlake and Blair Angulo was out at L.A. High vs. Hawkins. Here were the notes:
*UCLA just recently offered three-star D-lineman Nahje Flowers, and he underwhelmed to say the least. He's athletic, but he's underweight, had zero pass-rushing moves and was not productive at all. It was just one game, but based on that performance, it'd be a reach to think he'd be a contributor at UCLA any time soon.
*This is the second time I've caught Marquis Lawson, and it's definitely safe to say he'll be an offensive player at UCLA. He now plays safety on defense, forgoing reps at cornerback, which is what some thought he might play with the Bruins. On offense, he continued to be a playmaker, logging big gains on catches. He had some exciting kick returns too. I'd expect him to be a Darren Andrews type in Westwood.
*On Pittman, Gorney wrote: "Pittman was fantastic. The four-star receiver opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The next time Oaks Christian got the ball, Pittman returned the kick again about 96 yards for a score but it was called back because of a questionable block in the back penalty.
Then on offense Pittman absolutely dominated. The USC pledge (who is still taking a look at UCLA) had touchdown receptions of 29 and 55 yards and then two other catches that took the ball down to the 1-yard line. If luck went his way, Pittman could have ended the night with six scores.
The Oaks Christian prospect has excellent size at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, surprising speed and he's a terrific route runner with great hands. It's a loaded class at receiver in California but no doubt Pittman is one of the best."
*On Corral, Gorney wrote: "I was surprised by just how advanced 2018 quarterback Matt Corral is at quarterback for Oaks Christian.
The sophomore who has already landed offers from USC and UCLA has a tremendous arm, zips the ball all over the field (his favorite target is obviously Pittman) and he's impressively accurate throwing on the run.
The 2018 recruit has poise and toughness, too. On a bad snap, Corral scooped it up, settled himself and still made the completion. On a quarterback run later in the game, Corral broke some tackles, stayed in-bounds and gained extra yards down toward the goal line.
In a big setting, Corral looked completely comfortable and he's proving to be one of the top young quarterbacks in the country."
*Angulo on his trip: "Los Angeles High strongside defensive end Martin Andrus has some big-time offers for a junior, including Stanford and USC, to go along with interest from the likes of Florida State and LSU, but we heard Friday afternoon the Bruins have as good a shot at him as any program early on. UCLA has done a great job recruiting the City Section in recent years and Andrus looks like the top prospect in next year’s group, so he’s sure to earn his share of attention.
Andrus was impressive against Hawkins High on Friday, looking like the perfect fit for the 3-technique spot the Bruins have built their fronts on in recent years. He’s built well physically and athletic enough to double as fullback.
On the other side, Hawkins wide receiver Jalen Hall looks destined for a five-star rating in the 2018 class and said he’s really cool with the UCLA coaches early on."
Short Shots
-Four-star DB Lamar Jackson visited Nebraska this week, exhausting all five of his officials. He's long been thought to be USC's to lose, but he and a source close to his recruitment reiterated to our USC site that if Helton isn't retained, the Trojans will likely be out of it. Jackson told Rivals.com this week that he'll likely make a return trip to Los Angeles for unofficials to UCLA/USC soon .
-Four-star DL Amani Bledsoe told Rivals.com he's planning an official visit to UCLA in the second week of December.
