Mixed results for UCLA in early signing

UCLA appeared on the brink of a recruiting success late Tuesday when David Schurzel, a high school defensive lineman from Seattle, tweeted that he was “1000% committed” to being a Bruin, including a photo of himself in a blue and gold uniform.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Schurzel sent out another tweet saying he had not made a decision “due to unclear circumstances.”

Regardless of whether the turnover was attributed to miscommunication with coaches or a change of heart, it represents the volatility of the early signing period even at the best of times.

And these were clearly not the best of times for the Broncos.

Doing its best to salvage a rapidly declining recruiting class after the firing of coach DeShawn Foster in September, UCLA faced several more distractions Wednesday from prospects already committed to the Bruins.

Four-star edge rusher Carter Gooden signed with Tennessee. Three-star safety Torey Davis signed with Texas. Three-star offensive lineman Micah Smith signed with Illinois. Three-star offensive lineman Travis Robertson signed with Bowling Green.

UCLA was left with a 12-player class that general manager Khairy Darlington said could use some improvement. Among the potential additions is Anthony Jones, a four-star defensive lineman from Crane Lutheran High in Irvine who has remained publicly committed to the team and could significantly bolster a class that fell to No. 82 in the 247Sports national rankings.

“Just the fact that we’ve been able to land the amount of players that we’ve brought in,” Darlington said, “has our staff to be as motivated as they have been throughout the process and to finish strong that we’re motivated by.”

A class that could be labeled the Sturdy Dozen given its determination during the uncertainty could also help in the early rebuilding efforts of Bob Chesney, the James Madison coach who is expected to be officially announced as Foster’s successor this week.

Darlington said there was no surprise that some of the defection was for teams going through significantly less turmoil than transitioning to new coaching staffs.

“What I learned very quickly in this business at the college venue is that things can change when money is tight,” Darlington said, “so we crossed our fingers for a few players, hoping we could stay committed.

“But then with some of the previous conversations that we had with the families and knowing about everything that the individual players and families are looking for in order to feel stable, it still felt good that the people who lost you, you lost to legitimate competitors that had the things that those individuals were looking for in some of the previous conversations, I think we will find better in the future conversations to build on.”

Among the successes UCLA could celebrate was the signing of CJ Lavender, a cornerback from Mater de High who threw seven interceptions last season among the Kings’ top defenders. Lavender had previously committed to Washington, but said being able to play at a college in his hometown was a big draw.

“The idea of ​​my whole family being able to enjoy my games while I do what I do on the field is a dream come true,” said Lavender, who also cited his relationships with Darlington and Marshawn Freloux, senior director of football recruiting operations, as selling points.

Lavender’s signing became more important after four UCLA defensive backs — Scooter Jackson, Andre Jordan Jr., Cole Martin and Lario Zamorano III — entered the transfer portal, though they could return at a later date.

UCLA also signed two defensive linemen in Marcus Almada and James Moffat along with a trio of wide receivers in Kenneth Moore III, Marcus Kerr and Major Pride. Moore pledged her allegiance in November 2024 and achieved the longest commitment ever, never to be publicly ignored.

Darlington said the recruiting staff’s approach was to fully understand the uncertainty of the situation and encourage prospects to evaluate what was best for them, only asking that they keep staff updated along the way. That’s not to say it was an easy process for everyone.

“I’m not exaggerating,” Darlington said, “there were tears on both ends of the phone, sleepless nights.”

With at least a dozen players on board, fears of a vacancy were put to bed.