UCLA is set to host their first big official visit weekend starting today. The Bruins staff has quickly come together and is putting a solid effort on the trail to make some late noise.
Look for UCLA to firm up soft commit Hiva Lutui this weekend.
Yesterday the staff got some big news on the commitment of Colby Cyburt. Cyburt could be an important piece to this class. The Bruins will need to add more play-makers to the roster in order to take it to the next level.
Here is a preview of some of the top names expected to be on hand this weekend.
Trinity representing
Euless (Texas) Trinity high school will be in full force at UCLA this weekend. Offensive lineman Hiva Lutui is a soft verbal to UCLA and the staff will work on firming him up as signing day approaches. Ilaui Moeakiola is also expected to visit and should solidify his commitment after meeting the new staff.
Along with their teammates, Baylor commit Brian Nance and Polo Manukainiu will also visit. Nance recently made his commitment to Baylor but UCLA will go full speed at the top 100 prep. Manukainiu was originally committed to Oklahoma but a visit forced a separation. Manukainiu is a solid defensive end that could be a real surprise piece for UCLA if his teammates can convince him to join them.
Major targets coming to town
Four-star quarterback Devin Fuller will be in town this weekend. Fuller would be a pivotal piece for UCLA. They are in need of a home-run threat and Fuller would fill that category.
Jumbo athlete Nate Iese will also be in town. He can play several positions including tight end and defensive end. The staff would prefer him at tight end, to compliment Ian Taubler who will also be on his official visit.
If Kaumatule can't get cleared by Stanford, the Bruins could be in for a big late addition.
Shane Brostek is the wild card of the group. Information regarding his recruitment has been tough to obtain, but most consider Washington the team to beat. Still, UCLA will put in every attempt to gain a commitment from the hard-nosed Hawaii offensive lineman.
Stanford commit Luke Kaumatule is expected to be in town as well. Kaumatule could be interesting to watch as this visit unfolds. He is a Cardinal commit but is awaiting his final clearance into Stanford. If there is a snag on his admissions, look for UCLA or Cal to try and capitalize. Kaumatule is a monster 6-foot-8, 270-pound defensive end that has a tremendous first step for an athlete his size. His teammate and UCLA commit, Steven Lakalaka will also be in town on his official visit.
Commits go to work
In addition to the commits visiting listed above, UCLA will firm up a couple of other commits this weekend. Kene Orjioke will be in town and he is one to watch. The staff will attempt to make a presence in the state of Georgia, and Orjioke could just be the start.
Shannon Edwards and Psalm Wooching should also be on campus and are expected to put in work on the uncommitted prospects.
UCLA currently has 24 verbal commitments in the class of 2012. They currently have the 27th ranked recruiting class in our team rankings as of today.
- Justin Hopkins
- Recruiting Insider - 247Sports