Live blog: UCLA football National Signing Day 2015

After months, or in some cases years, of recruiting, Wednesday – National Signing Day – marks the end of a long journey for high school football players and college coaches alike, as players announce and sign with the college they will play for. This post will be updated throughout the day with news and analysis of the players who sign with UCLA.

Note: Signings are listed in reverse chronological order, with UCLA’s most-recent commit appearing at the top of the list.

UCLA’s National Signing Day additions

1. WR Cordell Broadus (6 feet 2 inches, 192 pounds; 40-yard dash: not listed; Las Vegas) [Star rating – E: 4, S: 4, R: 4]

After an on-again, off-again recruitment, Cordell Broadus officially signed with UCLA, becoming the fifth recruit to announce his decision to UCLA on ESPN Wednesday morning.

The lanky four-star prospect fills a hole in UCLA’s recruiting class following the losses of receivers Ryan Newsome and L.J. Reed (see below).

Despite playing in Las Vegas, Broadus is reported to have a strong rapport with incoming quarterback Josh Rosen, which could pay off for the pair on the field. However, Broadus joins a rather deep group of receivers in Westwood, so a significant contribution in his first season is unlikely. Akin to many incoming freshman receivers, Broadus will need to take some time to hone his fundamentals, such as route running and blocking.

2. OLB Roquan Smith (6 feet 2 inches, 204 pounds; 40-yard dash: 4.71; Montezuma, Ga.) [Star rating – E: 4, S: 4, R: 4]

Following commitments from some of the top-rated offensive players in the country, UCLA continued its busy morning by signing one of the best defensive recruits in the country in linebacker Roquan Smith.

UCLA nabbed Smith from in-state power Georgia, in part because the young linebacker should have a chance to contribute in his first year on campus following the departures of Eric Kendricks and Zach Whitley.

Though undersized, Smith is an athletic, instinctual player that possesses the speed to road sideline-to-sideline and drop into coverage. As one of the top linebacker prospects in his class, Smith should make an impact in his first season with the Bruins.

3. OG Josh Wariboko (6 feet 4 inches, 315 pounds; 40-yard dash: 5.64; Oklahoma City, Okla.) [Star rating – E: 4, S:4, R: 4]

UCLA added to its already strong offensive line class with four-star offensive guard Josh Wariboko, who announced his decision on ESPNU Wednesday morning. Wariboko is another big body for the Bruins, measuring in at 6 feet 3 inches and 305 pounds. Wariboko will likely just provide depth for his first year or two on campus, but should compete for a starting job as early as his sophomore year.

4. RB Sotonye Jamabo (6 feet 2 inches, 206 pounds; 40-yard dash: 4.61; Plano, Tex.) [Star rating – E: 4, S: 5, R: 5]

After securing a commitment from the No. 1 tight end in the country, UCLA followed up by signing the nation’s No. 1 running back in five-star Sotonye “Soso” Jamabo. Jamabo brings a unique skill set to Westwood and should immediately fight for playing time.

At 6 feet 2 inches, he has uncommon size for a running back, but despite the larger frame, Jamabo has more of an elusive running style than his size would suggest. He has drawn comparisons to explosive hybrid players such as Oregon junior wide receiver Byron Marshall.

UCLA has lacked a skill position player with his gamebreaking ability for some time, and under the tutelage of running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu, Jamabo could develop into a big-time weapon for the Bruins.

5. TE Chris Clark (6 feet 6 inches, 247 pounds; Avon, Conn.) [Star rating – E: 4, S: 5, R: 4]

UCLA’a National Signing Day got off on a booming start, as the Bruins landed a commitment from five-star tight end Chris Clark at 5:35 a.m. PT. Clark, considered Scout.com‘s No. 1 tight end in the nation, will add a new element to UCLA’s offense that has been missing for the entirety of coach Jim Mora’s tenure: a true tight end.

The Bruins’ current equivalent of tight end is the Y receiver position, filled mostly by bigger slot receivers like sophomore Thomas Duarte, but don’t expect Clark to fill that role. Instead, the 6-foot-6, 247-pound Clark will likely play a more traditional tight end role, lining up next to the offensive line with his hand in the dirt and contributing both as a pass catcher and a run blocker.

Given his size – reminiscent of former UCLA tight end/Y receiver Joseph Fauria – and blocking ability, Clark should make an immediate impact for the Bruins, allowing UCLA to expand its power running attack and being a big target in the red zone. Look for him to contribute significantly as a freshman.

UCLA’s pre-Signing Day commitment list

Several prospects on UCLA football’s target list will indicate their college decisions Wednesday, but here is a list of prospects who have already committed to play in Westwood.

Note: Players ranked in order of their scout.com recruit grade, from highest to lowest.

1. QB Josh Rosen (enrolled at UCLA)

• Scout: five-star (No. 12 overall prospect, No. 1 QB)
• ESPN: 86/100 (No. 50 overall, No. 2 QB)
• Rivals: five-star (No. 2 overall, No. 1 QB)
• 247Sports: 0.9924 (No. 12 overall, No. 1 QB)

UCLA picked up two five-star commitments early Wednesday morning, but its biggest signing this season, regardless of who else it signs today, is five-star quarterback Josh Rosen. Rosen, the No. 1 quarterback in the nation, enrolled early at UCLA and is already on campus.

With quarterback Brett Hundley entering the NFL draft, Rosen will have every opportunity to win the starting job as a true freshman and many expect him to do so. While he may not have the same speed and athleticism Hundley displayed, Rosen is a masterful passer, particularly showing accuracy with his deep ball. He also has enough quickness to move around in the pocket and scramble for yards if need be.

With Rosen in the mix, don’t expect the Bruins to drop off much from their 10-3 finish last season.

2. DE/OLB Keisean Lucier-South (committed Nov. 22, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: five-star (No. 29 overall, No. 4 OLB)
• ESPN: 89/100 (No. 22 overall, No. 5 DE)
• Rivals: five-star (No. 14 overall, No. 1 weakside DE)
• 247Sports: 0.9906 (No. 33 overall, No. 2 weakside DE)

UCLA struggled for much of last season with its pass rush, making the need for an elite pass rusher a crucial one in the recruiting process. With five-star outside linebacker/defensive end Keisean Lucier-South, the Bruins got one of the best in the nation.

Lucier-South has gotten comparisons to former UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr, but a more apt comparison may be with a current UCLA player: sophomore outside linebacker Deon Hollins. Both Hollins and Lucier-South have blazingly fast first steps and get into the backfield quickly and are both more of pure pass rushers than they are complete outside linebacker.

Lucier-South needs to bulk up his wiry frame and could need to redshirt as a freshman while he puts on more weight and gains strength. Whenever he does see the field, Lucier-South should bolster the Bruins’ pass rush significantly.

3. OT Zach Bateman (committed, signed LOI Nov. 16)

• Scout: four-star (No. 16 overall JuCo prospect)
• ESPN: 79/100 (No. 6 JuCo OT)
• Rivals: three-star
• 247Sports: 0.8892 (No. 22 overall JuCo prospect, No. 3 JuCo OT)

A four-star junior college transfer, offensive tackle Zach Bateman is UCLA’s second early enrollee, along with five-star quarterback Josh Rosen. At 6 feet 7 inches and 320 pounds, Bateman has the body to step in and play immediately and may just do so, despite UCLA returning all five offensive line starters.

Bateman could slide in at right tackle, allowing Caleb Benenoch to move to guard and center Scott Quessenberry, who had to play right guard last season, to possibly redshirt and create a gap between him and starting center Jake Brendel. Whatever the scenario, Bateman came to UCLA to play right away and expect him to do just that.

4. CB DeChaun Holiday (committed Sunday, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 76 overall, No. 11 CB)
• Rivals: 4 star (No. 102 overall, No. 5 CB)
• ESPN: 83/100 (No. 122 overall, No. 8 CB)
• 247Sports: 0.9656 (No. 68, No. 6 CB)

After committing to UCLA on Super Bowl Sunday, Holiday reaffirmed his decision by sending in his letter of intent to UCLA on Wednesday. The talented defensive back is one of the most physical corners in the 2015 class and possesses the athleticism to contribute on the other side of the ball at receiver as well. Early indications are that he will initially line up on defense for the Bruins.

5. OG Tevita Halalilo (committed April 18, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 145 overall, No. 8 OG)
• ESPN: 80/100 (No. 29 OG)
• Rivals: four-star (No. 18 OG)
• 247Sports: 0.9082 (No. 11 OG)

Adding to its already strong offensive line class, UCLA received a letter of intent from four-star offensive guard Tevita Halalilo Wednesday. Halalilo, who committed to UCLA then flirted briefly with Arizona State, needs to shed a few extra pounds, checking in at 320 pounds, but moves his feet as if he were much lighter.

With his athleticism, Halalilo projects as a future starter for UCLA, but will likely start his career by adding depth to the returning offensive line starters.

6. OLB Josh Woods (committed July 29, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 162 overall, No. 12 OLB)
• ESPN: 78/100 (No. 43 OLB)
• Rivals: three-star (No. 27 OLB)
• 247Sports: 0.9087 (No. 226 overall, No. 9 ILB)

Woods is an intriguing prospect for several reasons, but perhaps the biggest one is his age. Woods is a year younger than his peers in his grade, making his potential even more exciting as his body develops even more. Aside from his age, Woods is a hyper-athletic outside linebacker that can fit into the Anthony Barr pass rusher mold or the Myles Jack run stopper and pass coverage specialist. Once Woods’ body catches up with his skills, he could be a valuable player to UCLA’s defense.

7. OT Andre James (committed July 10, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 192 overall, No. 17 OT)
• ESPN: 82/100 (No. 177 overall, No. 15 OT)
• Rivals: four-star (No. 28 OT)
• 247Sports: 0.9107 (No. 218 overall, No. 21 OT)

Offensive tackle Andre James committed to UCLA back in July, but made it officially Wednesday morning with his letter of intent. A four-star and one of the top offensive tackles in the region, is described by Scout.com as a strong run-blocker and an improving pass-blocker. With all five offensive line starters returning, playing time could be limited for James as a freshman and redshirting could be a possibility.

8. WR Ryan Newsome (committed Jan. 23)

Note: Newsome flipped his commitment from UCLA to Texas Wednesday and will sign his letter of intent with the Longhorns.

• Scout: four-star (No. 193 overall, No. 26 WR)
• ESPN: 82/100 (No. 189 overall, No. 22 WR)
• Rivals: three-star (No. 47 WR)
• 247Sports: 0.9088 (No. 225 overall, No. 27 WR)

9. C Fred Ulu-Perry (committed July 30, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 198 overall, No. 1 center)
• ESPN: 84/100 (No. 69 overall, No. 1 OG)
• Rivals: three-star (No. 5 Center)
• 247Sports: 0.9318 (No. 148 overall, No. 3 center)

Rounding out UCLA’s stand-out offensive line class is four-star center Fred Ulu-Perry out of Hawai’i. Rated the No. 1 center in the nation, Ulu-Perry is a bit small at just 6 feet 2 inches, but more than makes up for it with his tenacity. With starting center Jake Brendel staying at UCLA for his senior season, Ulu-Perry will either move to offensive guard, as Scott Quessenberry did, or redshirt his first season. But Ulu-Perry certainly seems to be UCLA’s center for the future.

10. WR L.J. Reed (committed April 27)

Note: Per reports, Reed will not sign a letter of an intent with UCLA but will instead enroll at a junior college.

• Scout: four-star (No. 200 overall, No. 28 WR)
• ESPN: 80/100 (No. 49 WR)
• Rivals: four-star (No. 39 WR)
• 247Sports: 0.8894 (No. 285 overall, No. 35 WR)

11. CB Stephen Johnson (committed July 8, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 212 overall, No. 23 CB)
• ESPN: 79/100 (No. 54 WR)
• Rivals: four-star (No. 189 overall, No. 8 WR)
• 247Sports: 0.9003 (No. 279 overall, No. 17 athlete)

A high school quarterback, Johnson could help offset the loss of Newsome and Reed, that is, if he isn’t lining up at cornerback after signing his letter of intent Wednesday.

He is a burner with sub 4.4 speed, meaning he can stay with receivers in coverage or run by defensive backs. Johnson is an agile player who can easily change direction, which may lead him to lining up on the defensive side of the ball. Either way, he is also likely to make an impact in the return game as well for the Bruins.

12. DE Rick Wade (committed July 31, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: four-star (No. 31 DE)
• ESPN: 76/100 (No. 74 DE)
• Rivals: four-star (No. 16 DE)
• 247Sports: 0.8856 (No. 373 overall, No. 21 strong-side DE)

Defensive end Rick Wade signed with UCLA in July of last year and confirmed his decision Wednesday morning as he signed his letter of intent with the Bruins. Regarded as one of the top players at his position in the state, Wade should provide some much needed depth along the defensive line for UCLA in his first season on campus.

13. CB Colin Samuel (committed Dec. 9)

• Scout: four-star (No. 37 CB)
• ESPN: 78/100 (No. 50 CB)
• Rivals: four-star (No. 32 WR)
• 247Sports: 0.8913 (No. 331, No. 30 CB)

14. RB Bolu Olorunfunmi (committed March 11, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: three-star (No. 49 RB)
• ESPN 76/100 (No. 91 RB)
• Rivals: three-star (No. 33 RB)
• 247Sports: 0.8559 (No. 748 overall, No. 57 RB)

UCLA already secured the nation’s top running back prospect earlier Wednesday morning, but addition of longtime commit Bolu Olorunfunmi further strengthens the position group. Olorunfunmi, a three-star, brings a different style to the field than that of five-star running back SoSo Jamabo.

While Jamabo’s game centers around his elusiveness and agility, Olorunfunmi – at 5 feet 10 inches and 215 pounds – packs a more powerful punch. Given the way running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu develops players and his affinity for more physical backs, Olorunfunmi could become an important player for the Bruins and a short-yardage weapon.

15. CB William Lockett (committed Aug. 7, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: three-star (No. 61 CB)
• ESPN: 78/100 (No. 48 CB)
• Rivals: three-star (No. 71 CB)
• 247Sports: 0.8510 (No. 853 overall, No. 79 CB)

UCLA clearly has a type when it comes to defensive backs, targeting tall and physical players, and three-star Will Locket fits the mold. Lockett, who committed in August and signed his letter of intent to UCLA Wednesday, measures in at 6 feet tall, but still needs to bulk up his 182-pound frame. Look for Lockett to potentially redshirt as a freshman as he adds strength.

16. CB Octavius Spencer (committed Dec. 16, signed LOI Wednesday)

• Scout: three-star (No. 62 CB)
• ESPN: 78/100 (No. 83 WR)
• Rivals: three-star (No. 55 Safety)
• 247Sports: 0.8585 (No. 682 overall, No. 62 CB)

Octavius Spencer became the third player of UCLA’s talented defensive back haul to send in his letter of intent, following Lockett and Holiday’s earlier commitments. Like both of them, Spencer is a tall corner, continuing the trend UCLA has set in recent years with the likes of Priest Willis and Denzel Fisher. Spencer, though, could end up at receiver and possesses return ability as well.