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UCLA Football: 3 Storylines to follow for National Signing Day

By Andrew Miller

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA's new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as UCLA's new Football Head Coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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3. Can the Bruins take some prospects away from USC?

While the Bruins have 10 more commitments than their in-state rival USC Trojans, they are two spots behind them in the PAC-12 class rankings. USC’s recent success, behind star quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Ronald Jones II, put them back on the map among the best destinations for recruits in the nation.

Prying away some uncommitted recruits that are likely to choose USC is a huge priority for the Bruins. Catapulting Kelly’s program above that of recently extended USC head coach Clay Helton starts with the first class under a new coaching regime.

Two names that really stick out that the Bruins could snag from USC includes four-star tight end Michael Ezeike and four-star outside linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu. Nabbing one of those highly-touted recruits changes the landscape of the incoming freshmen classes for both programs.

Pulling away from your biggest rival not only helps ease the path to a conference championship, it also pleases the fan base and recruits. UCLA has USC to get past and that will be no easy task. It is something that Kelly possesses the ability to do.

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