Even though UCLA is in a transition period following the firing
of head coach Bob Toledo, new UCLA coach Karl Dorrell is quickly
making inroads on the recruiting scene, picking up four more
commits following last weekend’s four-day sports camp.
The four commits ““ offensive lineman Brian Abraham of
Rancho Cucamonga, defensive lineman Kenneth Lombard of St. John
Bosco, punter Aaron Perez of Charter Oak, and linebacker Will Price
of Western ““ bring UCLA’s total to seven.
With the loss of several offensive lineman during spring
practice as well as a lack of young depth on the defensive line, it
was obvious UCLA’s area of need was in the trenches. Abraham,
a 6-foot, 6-inch, 260-pound lineman who runs a quick 4.9 second
40-yard dash, has been one of the quickest rising prospects on the
West Coast and is currently ranked the No. 19 offensive tackle in
the nation by ESPN.com’s Tom Lemming.
Lombard, on the other hand, was a virtual unknown, whose
commitment was first reported by the Long Beach Press-Telegram. He
was offered the scholarship following an impressive camp
performance, and Lombard didn’t take long to contemplate the
offer.
Punter Chris Kluwe will be entering his junior season, which
would allow Perez to step in as Kluwe’s replacement in the
2005 season. It’s perfect timing for Perez, who is considered
one of the top punters in the nation and averaged 41.4 yards per
punt with a hangtime of 4.4 seconds. Additionally, Perez is
considered one of the top soccer prospects on the West Coast, if
not the nation.
Lastly, Price’s commitment gave UCLA four total known
commitments from the camp. Price took All-CIF honors for Division
IX last season and also received the scholarship offer because of
an impressive camp performance.