UCLA picks up second verbal commit of the week

Two days after picking up a verbal commitment from speedy cornerback Shannon Edwards, UCLA caught a big fish today with the news that hulking tight end Ian Taubler has verbally committed.

Taubler told Inside UCLA Campus Correspondent Jacob Ruffman that he was close to a commitment last weekend, and he has long been interested in the Bruins.

Taubler becomes UCLA's highest-rated verbal commit so far, joining Edwards and the Hawaiian Hurricanes, Steven Lakalaka and Psalm Wooching, and he fills a position of need. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the Bruins go after another tight end in this class.

At 6-5, 250 pounds, though, a possible shift to offensive tackle at some point wouldn't be out of the question, either. He has a solid, strong frame with good blocking skills, although his skill-position skills could use some work - speed, hands, route-running.

Taubler's commitment, however, is a big one in my book, as UCLA needs to keep working at this tier of prospect until they start showing something on the field. The Bruins can't really expect a five-star to commit right now, and I think Rick Neuheisel learned something last year with the class that the team eventually got. I think the hiring of Mike Johnson and Inoke Breckterfield - two guys who are very familiar with the Oregon State style - was just the first sign that the team was going to change its direction a little.