UCLA nabs a top Class of 2016 FB from Crespi over Iowa State

Over the weekend Iowa State attempted to go into UCLA’s backyard to pickup FB/RB/LB Jalen Starks but on Thursday the battle was over when the local product verbally committed to the Bruins.

Starks, 6’1”, 240 pounds, helped Crespi High School to a 9-2 record in 2014 by blowing open holes for running back Torrance Brumfield and his 1,258 yards rushing while adding 897 yards of his own off 139 carries with 11 touchdowns.

College recruiters started dropping offers with San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Idaho, Montana State, and Robert Morris seeking Starks’ services but the Bruins were able to keep the Encino, California talent home.

The Bruins now have 11 verbal commitments to their 2016 class. Of the 11 commitments 9 are from in-state recruits.

UCLA 2016 Verbal Commitment List

WR Darian Owens, 6’0”, 192 lbs, Clovis West HS, Fresno, CA

WR Michael Pittman, 6’4”, 205 lbs, Oaks Christian HS, Westlake Village, CA

QB Matt Lynch, 6’5”, 182 lbs, Legacy HS, Broomfield, CO

RB Demetric Felton, 5’10”, 170 lbs, Great Oak HS, Temecula, CA

RB Jalen Starks, 6’1”, 240 lbs, Crespi HS, Encino, CA

LS Johnny Den Bleyker, 6’0”, 200 lbs, Moreau Catholic HS, Hayward, CA

DB Jordan Parker, 5’11”, 184 lbs, Pittsburg HS, Pittsburg, CA

DE Osa Odighizuwa, 6’2”, 250 lbs, David Douglas HS, Portland, OR

LB Krys Barnes, 6’2”, 220 lbs, Liberty HS, Bakersfield, CA

LB Breland Brandt, 6’4”, 220 lbs, Windward HS, Los Angeles, CA

LB Lokeni Toailoa, 6’0”, 213 lbs, Wilmer Carter HS, Rialto, CA

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: latimes.com; Jalen Starks

Photo credit: dailynews.com; Jalen Starks finds running room against Notre Dame