Interview: 2017 4-Star OL Kanan Ray gives Insight to Verbal Commitment to UCLA Bruins

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On Friday, a Thursday decision became public, UCLA had secured a verbal commitment from one of their top targets in the 2017 recruiting class. On Thursday, 4-star Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA) offensive and defensive lineman Kanan Ray took an unofficial visit to Westwood leaving the campus part of next year’s National Signing Day festivities.

The Bruins fended off 16 other schools for the 6’4”, 275 pound, talent including another school that was close to his heart, Tennessee. Among the others to offer included Cal, Colorado, Arizona, Texas A&M, Arizona State, UNLV, Louisville, Oregon State, and San Diego State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Ray shortly after he made his commitment public getting his insight on why he picked the Bruins and how the commitment took place.

Interview

Kanan, first, congratulations on committing to UCLA.

“Thank you.”

Let’s jump right to it. What influenced you to commit when you did?

“As soon as I got my offer from them, I knew that’s where I would like to go. I got the offer and I wanted to go there. My coaches and my family told me to wait before I committed. Yesterday, our meeting went well. Before the meeting I knew if everything went well I was going to commit. I committed to them yesterday. I was going to wait until my birthday to announce it but couldn’t wait any longer, my birthday is on Tuesday. Some people wanted to do a recruitment video on Monday but I wanted to do it the old fashion way.”

How did the commitment take place?

“At the end of the visit I was talking with Coach (Adrian) Klemm. He said, “We really like you, I hope you like us too.” I said, “Coach, I’m committing to you guys.” He went crazy. He went and go Coach (Jim) Mora. I told Coach Mora, he got up, hugged me, and patted me on the back.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I felt great. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. I was happy I finally got it over with. Now I know where I am going and all of the colleges know where I am going. I don’t have to stress out over that anymore.”

Do you still plan to take your official visits during your senior season?

“No. I thought of it as I wouldn’t want my girl to go talk to another guy so I’m not going to talk to other schools. I’m going to be respectful to them. I am 100 percent committed to UCLA. No more visits for me. This spring we were supposed to go on a bunch of trips but I thought, what’s the point?”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Oh yeah. There are a lot, I know a commit that’s going to make everyone crazy that’s about to commit to UCLA. That’ll be big. I’m not telling who it is but when he commits and some of the others I know of as well, it’ll be a crazy class. That commitment will happen soon.”

I can’t wait to find out.

“It’ll be big.”

How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“Obviously I’m going to talk about the education and the coaches. UCLA is also about five miles from the beach, in one of the richest cities in the world – its paradise. You can’t beat any of that. There are so many factors but there is not a downfall. They have everything – in a great town. They have everything.

Was there a second or third school out there that made this decision a little difficult for you?

“Yeah, my No. 2 was Tennessee. Tennessee was one of my dream schools growing up. I still root for them. It was hard to say no to them. Texas A&M, Arizona State, Washington, Utah – there were a lot of other schools that made it hard for me as well, but it was really hard for me to say no to Tennessee. Tennessee is my family’s home town but UCLA is mine.”

What are you doing to celebrate your commitment?

“I went to Wood Ranch (BBQ) last night and had dinner with my family. I celebrated with tri-tip, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. Tonight I’m hanging out with teammate Bobby (Cole) and my girlfriend. Last night I also saw my sister and niece that was great.”

Kanan, again, congratulations on your commitment to UCLA and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Ray family; Kanan at UCLA.