UCLA adds a defensive back to its 2017 recruiting class.
Folks –
After a very dry recruiting trail during the month of July, it is nice to receive some positive news when it comes to UCLA Football Recruiting.
Today we received our fourth commit of the 2017 Class when 3* Chris Wilson out of Hitchcock, Texas committed to the Bruins:
With much thought and counsel, I will be committing to tht UCLA Bruins to further my education and talentpic.twitter.com/v8whTyWQcp
— Chris Wilson (@chriswilson28) August 2, 2016
There is a very good chance you have not heard of Chris prior to his announcement as he is a bit under the radar, but whose’s profile has been rising on the Summer Camp circuit leading to a few offers (Texas A&M, Iowa, St., etc.) and additional programs (Arkansas, Baylor, Boise State, Oklahoma and TCU) watching him.
Demetrice Martin just offered Chris on the 23rd of July so the commitment came rather quick after the offer:
I am truely blessed to receive my 4th offer from UCLA. pic.twitter.com/TjVcC9eGma
— Chris Wilson (@chriswilson28) July 23, 2016
Chris has played all three positions in the secondary (cornerback, free and strong safety) during his high school football career and Demetrice Martin values that flexibility in his recruits as we have seen in the past. As has been noted, UCLA is starting to recruit “bigger” in the secondary and Chris fits the mold coming in at 6’1″ and 186lbs.
Gabe Brooks, who is Scout.com’s recruiting expert in Texas profiled Wilson:
Chris Wilson is an aggressive safety prospect who possesses skills that could fit the traditional free or strong positions at the FBS and most likely Power Five conference level. At 6-foot-1, Wilson possesses a good frame and ample length that suggest he will add significant bulk once he’s in college. He’s a willing and able tackler who often looks for the big hit in coverage. Wilson plays with awareness and does a good job locating the ball from the back end of the defense, whether that’s patrolling the deep portion or crashing to the flats. Wilson plays faster than he tests and he flashes good closing speed to help in his ability to break on balls and deliver those aforementioned hits. Wilson can improve his overall fluidity and lateral mobility. If his change-of-direction skills and ability to flip his hips improve, he’ll be a well-rounded safety at the next level. Overall, Wilson is a promising safety prospect with an above average frame and a fairly high ceiling.
UCLA continues to recruit Texas aggressively where High School Football is King and talent is produced in droves. As Bruin Fans know, UCLA has been able to consistently pull talent out of the Lone Star State in comparison to other states.
Chris will be visiting the campus in two weeks time and let’s hope it goes better than Will Farrar’s visit did. As with any commitment in this new era of recruiting, it is a long way to Signing Day and his LOI being signed, sealed and delivered, but this is a step in the right direction.
Now, let’s see some commitments when it comes to offensive and defensive line along with our 2017 QB prospect and Bruin fans can start to enjoy a little recruitment momentum…
**On a separate note, another UCLA target is supposed to be announcing tonight. Let’s hope we can top this day off with two Bruin commitments!**
Here’s Chris Wilson’s 2015 highlights from Hudl.com: