Upland FB Powell chooses UCLA over Colorado

Will Lester/Staff Photographer
Upland's Christian Powell carries in the Highlanders' 39-18 loss to Vista Murrieta in the CIF-SS Inland Division semifinals.

Upland High School fullback Christian Powell verbally committed to UCLA today, choosing his latest offer over that of Colorado, according to the Upland coaching staff. Powell said he was on the verge of committing to Colorado, to which two of his Upland teammates have verbally pledged, until the Bruins' new coaching staff offered him on Jan 4. Powell expressed the desire to remain close to home and once he felt comfortable with his role as in the new-look UCLA offense, he was ready to commit.

Powell had eight scholarship offers from which to choose: UCLA, Colorado, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Washington, Arkansas State, San Jose State and UC Davis. USC got involved this week, but Powell wasn't interested. Most of the suitors offered the 5-foot-11, 250-pound senior as a fullback, but Arkansas State and USC were interested in him as a defensive tackle. Playing defensive end for Upland last season, Powell collected 90 tackles and 15 sacks.

Upland defensive back Marques Mosley and running back Donta Abron have already committed to Colorado. Abron was especially hopeful Powell would choose Colorado after the fullback helped pave the way for his 1,754 yards and 33 touchdowns. Powell showed some running ability himself, plowing his way to 400 yards and seven touchdowns on just 40 carries.