UCLA pulled in the big one after taking extraordinary steps to get him back in the pool.
The sudden flip of Dante Moore after the valuable quarterback’s initial commitment to Oregon has given the Bruins a major upgrade in recruiting class. Think going from bottom row economy class with no reclining to first class serving hot fudge sundaes made to order.
Greg Biggins, National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, ranked Moore the #3 high school player in his class. “It puts UCLA on the map. So it’s just a perception. This alone suddenly made people think UCLA was relevant.”
Moore pushed the Bruins’ class to 22nd in the nation with a five-star outlook from Detroit King High, according to 247 Sports. He is the highest-rated prospective coach Chip Kelly has ever brought, including four seasons in Oregon that ended in a major bowl game, and 14 players committed to UCLA as of Tuesday. was one of the
Here are five questions the Bruins will face on an early signing date.
So how good is this guy?
A UCLA football player greets fans as they leave the field after a 42-32 victory over Utah in the Rose Bowl on Oct. 8.
(Ashley Landis/Associated Press)
Not only is Moore the best high school quarterback in the nation, he may be the most prepared for the college game.
A pro-style quarterback known as a pure passer, the 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound Moore led his high school team to two state titles and appeared in every major postseason event.
“As for his mental aptitude and football IQ,” Biggins said. [former UCLA standout] Josh Rosen came in and started as a true freshman, so I think he definitely took his chance. “
Assuming no other quarterback transfers, Moore will need to beat an impressive array of contenders to take the first snap against Coastal Carolina in UCLA’s 2023 season opener. A transfer from Kent State University, Colin Schley is rated as his 4th best transfer quarterback in the 247Sports ranking. Ethan Gerbers has looked promising in several games against Dorian Thompson where he played as Robinson’s backup. Justin Martin impresses with his composure in practice and has strong arms.
who else is coming?
Norco wide receiver Grant Gray scored a touchdown with Chaminade in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs on November 8, 2019.
(Steve Garuso/For the Times)
In contrast to the hype surrounding Moore, this isn’t a one-man class.
The other most widely coveted players are expected to be Chula Vista Martel Day High wide receiver Jeremiah McClure and Norco wide receiver Grant Gray. Both players he is a four-star prospect.
This class emphasizes wide receivers, quarterbacks, safety and linebackers, with two of each. Another quarterback is Luke Duncan, a three-star prospect from Olinda Miramonte.
who will come later?
Gardena Serra’s Rodrik Pleasant uses his blistering track speed to his advantage as a top cornerback.
(Nick Gort)
The Bruins remain contenders such as Rodric Pleasant, 4-star cornerback for Gardena Serra, and Leviticus Sua, 4-star linebacker for Santa Ana Martel Dei.
A contract with the team of Pleasant’s choice is not expected until February.
What holes are left?
On Nov. 6, 2021, Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Spencer Holstige (75). Horstige says he’s going to UCLA.
(Michael Conroy/Associated Press)
UCLA’s offensive line needs a serious boost.
Begins said he lost to all six offensive linemen the team brought to campus in May. The only dedicated offensive lineman.
As usual, UCLA seems busy adding work through its transfer portal. The Bruins already have a commitment from Purdue guard Spencer Holstige, a former All-Big Ten honorable mention.
If the Bruins can come up with some discoveries at the portal, their late spring 0-fer could be a net profit.
“They’re all better than the high schoolers you missed,” Biggins said. “We’re sitting here with a kind of bag on the Transfer Portal U philosophy, but those Portal kids are obviously better than high schoolers and obviously ready to play because , you need to step back and say “maybe”. They are on to something, especially if they are multi-year qualified. “
Who else will come to the portal?
Tight end Moriki Matabao will carry the ball for Oregon on Sept. 10 against Eastern Washington. Matabao announced his commitment to the Bruins on Tuesday.
(Andy Nelson/Associated Press)
UCLA made another big move on Tuesday when Oregon tight end Moriki Matabao announced his commitment to the Bruins.
Other transfers as part of a class that seems to be growing by the day include running back from Army, Anthony Adkins. Oluwafemi Oradejo is a linebacker from California. Along with Schley and Holstege, Jake Heimricher, an edge rusher from Penn.
Biggins said portal players are a safe bet compared to high school players.
“No matter how good a high school player is, it’s still speculation as to whether he’ll compete at the college level, so it’s basically taking the guesswork out,” Biggins said. , expecting him to be a star, but I don’t know.
“But when you get a kid who is already a two-year starter at the college level, you can’t guess. He’s already done that, so that’s for sure. Maybe that’s how you move this forward.”