UCLA already has a top-10 recruiting class in 2016. Can push even higher with prospects like five-star linebacker Mique Juarez? (Brad Graverson/Staff)

Less than 36 hours from National Signing Day, UCLA’s 2016 recruiting class is already in very good shape. With 23 commitments — five of whom are already enrolled — the Bruins’ latest haul currently stands at No. 10 in the country.

Now, Jim Mora and his staff has a chance to finish at the top of the Pac-12 for the second time in his tenure. Here are the prospects left on the board.

Star power

Five-star linebacker Mique Juarez isn’t just one of the most talented players coming out of high school this year. If he signs with UCLA, he’ll be just the second consensus top-10 prospect that Mora has landed, following quarterback Josh Rosen.

Since he decomitted from USC back in October, the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has been closely linked with the Bruins, who offered him two summers ago. If he picks UCLA, Juarez could immediately become the dynamic linebacker that the Bruins have missed since Myles Jack tore his meniscus in September. Although the team’s defensive struggles this past season weren’t limited to a single position, Jack’s presence often cleaned up mistakes made elsewhere — something that even fellow linebacker Deon Hollins pointed out.

Juarez isn’t going to play at that level immediately, but producing something close to what Jack was able to do as a true freshman would help. Continue reading “A look at UCLA football’s remaining 2016 recruiting targets” »