UCLA Flips Boston College 3-Star 2017 QB Austin Burton
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The continuing ebb and flow of UCLA’s 2017 recruiting class picked back up on Monday with the verbal commitment of quarterback Austin Burton following the decommitment of Texas cornerback Chris Wilson (Aug. 19).
UCLA came around to Burton at the same time the- now West Orange High School standout was connecting with Boston College in late June. The Eagles reached into the Winter Garden area for Burton after he tore up opposing Massachusetts competition passing for 3,299 yards with 34 scores while running for another 565 yards with six more touchdowns as a junior at Newton South (Newton).
Despite Burton’s high productivity college recruiters have been slow on the 6-3, 203, pound, talent. Before committing to the Bruins, Burton had reported offers from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida International, and Florida A&M.
Burton made a quick post on Twitter announcing his commitment writing “Go Bruins” followed by a statement:
The spot under center for UCLA going forward is a bright one following current starter Josh Rosen. Rosen, a true sophomore, has at least one more year at the collegiate level before heading off to the NFL allowing an opportunity for gunslingers on the roster to compete for an open position more than likely by 2018.
UCLA’s efforts on the recruiting trail have been perplexing and confusing while at the same time great. The Bruins staff has done a great job selling kids on Westwood but are creeping towards a dubious position of having as many decommitments, seven, as players currently pledged to the class, eight.
UCLA Bruins 2017 Verbal Commitment List (8)
CB Quentin Lake, 6-1, 180, Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana, CA
CB Jaylan Shaw, 5-11, 170, Centennial HS, Corona, CA
DE Jaelan Phillips, 6-5, 235, Redlands East Valley HS, Redlands, CA
OG Kanan Ray, 6-4, 275, Sierra Canyon HS, Chatsworth, CA
OT Jaxson Kirkland, 6-6.5, 314, Jesuit HS, Portland, OR
OT Ronal Rudd, 6-7, 305, Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
TE Jimmy Jaggers, 6-4, 244, Roseville HS, Roseville, CA
QB Austin Burton, 6-3, 203, West Orange HS, Winter Garden, FL
Photo credit: bostonherald.com; No. 12 Austin Burton.