Offensive lineman Fred Ulu-Perry to transfer out of UCLA

UCLA will lose offensive linemen Fred Ulu-Perry after just one season.

According to both the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Bruin Report Online, Ulu-Perry has been granted a release by the Bruins and is expected to transfer to Hawaii to be closer to home.

The former St. Louis High standout was one of the top centers in the class of 2016, and likely would have pushed for a starting spot as a sophomore. He saw action at offensive guard, defensive tackle, and fullback in his only season at UCLA.

The Bruins are set to lose senior center Jake Brendel, who has started a school-record 51 games in the last four seasons. The team could turn to Scott Quessenberry to fill the void. The sophomore started 19 games in 2013 and 2014, including one appearance at center, before redshirting this season to recover from shoulder surgeries.

UCLA freshman Fred Ulu-Perry sees future at center

Fred Ulu-Perry hasn’t played center since the eighth grade. So, when he moved to the position at the start of UCLA’s training camp, there were a few struggles.

For instance, the snaps. When fourth-year starter Jake Brendel left Monday night’s practice with an undisclosed injury, the freshman moved up to first string — making it tougher for his quarterback to catch the ball.

“You’re talking about a kid that hasn’t done it before,” said offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. “What we do is unique. Most places, you come in with a base defense for a week and you get to learn things, get through everything in the first day. He’s learning on the run, so we’re kind of going backwards. …

“He’s embraced everything. He’s picked it up, hasn’t complained one bit.”

Klemm also said the Ulu-Perry entered the program much stronger than most true freshman linemen. There’s certainly time for him to develop more; Brendel dressed for practice on Tuesday afternoon, and doesn’t appear to be in danger of missing games.

And while Ulu-Perry will likely also practice at guard, the Hawaiian native has his sights set on becoming Brendel’s successor next season.

“I want to be that guy,” he said. “That’s the bull of the team right there on the offensive side. That’s the leader of the team. That’s like the second quarterback.”

Center Fred Ulu-Perry becomes third offensive lineman in UCLA’s 2015 class

UCLA landed its third commitment of the week in center Fred Ulu-Perry, just the latest prospect to join the Bruins’ offensive line.

Ulu-Perry, who can also play guard, is rated three stars by Rivals.com — which first reported the commitment Friday — and four stars by Scout.com.

The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Honolulu St. Louis product was among those who participated at Nike’s The Opening in Eugene, and his announcement was preceded by fellow campers Andre James — a four-star tackle — and athlete Stephen Johnson also verbally pledging to UCLA this week.

Four-star lineman Tevita Halalilo also committed to the Bruins in April.