FIRE AND ICE CHART AFTER THE JUMP
Hayes Pullard
Middle Linebacker
6-2/220 pounds
Crenshaw High
FINALISTS: UCLA/USC
THE SKINNY: Pullard will almost assuredly follow in the footsteps of former Crenshaw linebacker Reggie Carter.
Scout’s Take: “The Los Angeles product isn’t going far from home. It’s been a UCLA/USC battle for a long time, but the favorite was definitely switched to UCLA when Ken Norton, Jr., left for the Seahawks.”
Anthony Jefferson
Cornerback
6-2/180 pounds
Cathedral High (Los Angeles)
FINALISTS: UCLA/Arizona/Oregon
THE SKINNY: Jefferson started heating up for UCLA over recent weeks, and those at UCLA believe it’s almost a done deal.
Scout’s Take: “He’s another one that’s pretty much told the coaches he’s coming. We think he follows his good friend and former teammate Randall Carroll to Westwood.”
Sealii Epenesa
Defensive Tackle
6-2/300 pounds
Iolani High (Honolulu, HI)
FINALISTS: UCLA/Baylor/Oregon State
THE SKINNY: Epenesa might not make the immediate impact of a Ricky Heimuli or Cassius Marsh, but UCLA needs all the depth it can get at D-tackle.
Scout’s Take: “UCLA has been one of the constants in his recruitment, but a visit to Oregon State this weekend has put them in the mix for him, thanks to their large Polynesian contingent.”
Cassius Marsh
Defensive Tackle
6-4/270 pounds
Oaks Christian
FINALISTS: UCLA/LSU/USC
THE SKINNY: He’s still committed to LSU, and he’s never said he’s softened, but he will likely stay on the West Coast.
Scout’s Take: “I feel that even when he committed to LSU, he was never leaving the West Coast. I stand by that, and that plays to UCLA’s favor.”
Ricky Heimuli
Defensive Tackle
6-4/285 pounds
Brighton High (Salt Lake City, Utah)
FINALISTS: UCLA/Utah/Oregon
THE SKINNY: Utah has made a major push for the hulking defensive tackle, who reportedly will play one year before his LDS mission.
Scout’s Take: “If UCLA lands Heimuli, it’s on par with winning Su’A-Filo a year ago. The hometown Utes are the favorites. I think it’s really UCLA and Utah.”
Jordan Zumwalt
Middle Linebacker
6-4/217 pounds
Edison High (Huntington Beach)
FINALISTS: UCLA/Stanford
THE SKINNY: Zumwalt thoroughly enjoyed his official visit to UCLA, but also loved his trip to Stanford.
Scout’s Take: That’s a tough one to crack. You’d think with the Stanford acceptance, that would’ve solidified things with him and the Cardinal. But UCLA has had good in-home visits with him recently, and that’s been a factor. Too tough to call.”
Owamagbe Odighizuwa
Defensive End
6-4/240
David Douglas High (Portland, Ore.)
FINALISTS: UCLA/Nebraska/Oregon State
THE SKINNY: His mom has long favored the academics of UCLA, but Nebraska head coach Bo Pellini made a lasting impression in a recent in-home visit.
SCOUT’S TAKE: “Nebraska’s last great defensive lineman, Ndamukong Suh, was a Portland native, and that’s made a big impression on him. UCLA’s academics have definitely been what kept them in the running, but the longer it runs, the better the home-state team fairs. My pick is Oregon State.”
Dietrich Riley
Safety
6-1/195
St. Francis High (La Canada)
FINALISTS: UCLA/USC/LSU
THE SKINNY: Riley has played the recruiting game brilliantly and will announce his decision after signing day.
Scout’s Take: “What day is it? That will change by tomorrow and probably change by Wednesday. I think he’s been USC’s to lose since he was offered by them as a sophomore. I still think USC’s the team to beat.”