Three-star offensive guard Francisco Perez commits to UCLA

Three-star offensive guard Francisco “Paco” Perez has flipped his commitment from Cal to UCLA, giving the Bruins some more depth up front.

The Baldwin Park High product announced his decision on Wednesday morning in an on-campus ceremony, then sent his signed letter of intent just a few minutes later. Scout.com ranks him as the third-best offensive guard prospect in California.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman may not see immediate playing time, but could very well feature into the two-deep rotation during practices. UCLA could use more depth on the interior after losing three-year starter Alex Redmond as an early entry into the NFL draft, as well as freshman Fred Ulu-Perry as a transfer to Hawaii.

A look at UCLA football’s remaining 2016 recruiting targets

Can UCLA close out its top-10 recruiting class by landing five-star linebacker Mique Juarez? (Brad Graverson/Staff)

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” »