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UCLA Football: Pac-12 South taking notice with underrated 2018 class

By Andrew Miller

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Devon Modster #18 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Jordan Lasley #2 and tight end Jordan Wilson #87 in the first half of the Cactus Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Chase Field on December 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Devon Modster #18 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Jordan Lasley #2 and tight end Jordan Wilson #87 in the first half of the Cactus Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Chase Field on December 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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A tough start for the Pac-12 South during the 2017 Early Signing Period was recovered by teams like UCLA Football on National Signing Day.

UCLA football has a huge quantity of commits in their 2018 class for National Signing Day. Much of that quantity is also quality four-star recruits that can make a huge difference in the future of the Bruins’ program.

With 27 total commits as of now for the Bruins, they ring in at the No. 16 class in the nation and fourth best in the Pac-12. Of all those prospects committed to UCLA, 22 have already signed early with the program. And, the Bruins still have some work to do in officially signing one of the top recruits in the nation in four-star quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Much of the spotlight of this 2018 class for UCLA falls on first-year head coach Chip Kelly, who has done a great job in hauling in a tremendous group for his initial season in Westwood. He’ll be able to use the nine four-star recruits in this class to build this team for the next few years.

The top prospect that has already signed for the Bruins is four-star athlete, and top 100 player in the nation, Bryan Addison. Moreover, another solid aspect of this group of prospects for UCLA is that Kelly reeled in a good mix of talent on both sides of the ball.

Prospects that can make an immediate difference

UCLA will not get away from the news of the loss of star quarterback Josh Rosen, as he departed from school early for the 2018 NFL Draft, during the off-season. The questions as to whether Kelly chooses Thompson-Robinson or rising sophomore Devon Modster as the starting quarterback for 2018 will be frequent.

Obviously, Thompson-Robinson is the type of commit that will get his shot at making a quick impact. However, a few other players to watch includes four-star wide receiver Chase Cota, four-star offensive guard Chris Murray, and three-star all purpose running back Kazmeir Allen.

A few other underrated recruits for UCLA includes three-star running back (who the Bruins pried away from the Arizona Wildcats) Martell Irby and three-star tight end Matt Alaimo. Both Irby and Alaimo bring unique skill sets to the table that will help the UCLA offense out in the long run.

Kelly has the resources to compete for a Pac-12 South title in 2018

It’s tough to expect the Bruins to have the type of turnaround that makes them a top level contender on a national basis in 2018. However, it’s very possible that UCLA makes a serious run at contention for the Pac-12 Championship Game this year, given all the talent in this recruiting class.

When it’s all said and done, UCLA could have a top 15 class in the nation and even push the USC Trojans for top spot in the division. Other talented incoming recruits like four-star outside linebacker Bo Calvert and four-star safety Stephan Blaylock can get some early playing time.

Next: National Signing Day storylines to follow for UCLA Football

A lot depends on the transition of the current roster for the Bruins under Kelly’s scheme. Most of his incoming freshmen class should be great fits in his system. The concern is not surrounding the next few years for UCLA, but how this team will adjust with these recruits in the 2018 season.

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