ESPN on Don Lugo's George Uko
I have a call in with Don Lugo head coach Rick Martin to speak with Uko in the morning, but until then, here's ESPN on Uko's official visit this weekend:
Here's an excerpt:
"I had a great visit to UCLA," Uko said. "They definitely moved way up for me but I really can't say how high right now. I just want to get through my visits and then I'll make my decision, I really don't want to rank the schools until then.
"UCLA has a lot to offer though. It felt like I was part of a family at UCLA, my parents felt the same thing, they loved it there. The players were great to hang with, the other recruits were real cool and I already love the coaching staff.
"Coach Neuheisal is a great guy but recently, I've really started to bond with Coach Howard, the DL coach as well. He's an ex NFL coach and that means a lot to me. He does a great job and I think he could prepare me for the next level."
I'm pleasantly surprised that UCLA is still on his radar.
If Neu can close this deal this will be an unbelievable turnaround on Uko's part. But if anyone can close a deal with a recruit, its Neu.
he's spot on about playing time. He'll make an immediate impact and he knows it. The team's not good this year, but they still seem excited, which has to make the young guys feel like something's happening at UCLA. Uko will be a Bruin.
reading the whole article it sounds like we are telling him price is gone at the end of the year.
Doesn't sound like he's leaning this way, but maybe Rick can keep working on him giving the likely immediate playing time he would get.
The two other DT prospects sound like they would be good pick ups (Taula and the kid from the Islands), but this guy seems more likely to the early impact player we need.
his parents have always been a major roadblock for UCLA for some reason. If they're on board, it's wide open for him.
Uko's recruitment has indeed been a wild ride! If anyone else recall's, it seemed as if in the spring he absolutely wanted to become a BRUIN, but we seemed to wait to long to offer him. Hence, he looked elsewhere. With our lack of sizeable depth, Uko/Taula/Heimuli would definitely be able to come in and make a real impact. George- do you really think you would look any better than in Powder Blue & Gold?! I don't think so! UCLA wants you, UCLA needs you, the fans want you as a BRUIN!!!
Even without Price leaving early there will always be PT for a player who has ability. That isn't a question. BP doesn't play every down and teams will take liberties when he is out as Jon has written. Unless the UCLA defense is so strong next year that they stop opposing offense into 3 and outs, there is a good chance a stud frosh will see the field.
so, how'd that call go?