Elite Defensive Lineman Anthony Lucas Lists UCLA Football in Top 5
An elite defensive prospect has placed the Bruins in his prime 5.
Course of 2022 defensive lineman Anthony Lucas out of Chaparral High School (AZ) integrated UCLA football in his shortlist of finalists together with Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame and Texas A&M on Friday. On Wednesday, mentor Chip Kelly visited the SI99 All-American applicant at his house in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In spite of latest studies about Kelly currently being regarded as for Oregon’s coaching occupation, Lucas even now integrated the Bruins as a upcoming spot possibility.
Lucas experienced UCLA in his prime 10 in April, but his father informed 247Athletics in August that the Bruins were not in his prime 7. Since then, while, Lucas took a check out to Westwood on Sept. 4 and welcomed Kelly into his property 3 months later on, now officially listing them as a finalist following an apparent late force.
Asserting his selection with On3Recruits, the 6-foot-5 top rated defensive prospect spoke about why he could decide on UCLA.
“It has been a aspiration school given that I was a kid and presents every little thing you have to have in Westwood,” Lucas stated. “All athletics are good, and a terrific schooling.”
In SI All-American’s SI99 for 2022, Lucas is shown as the No. 5 inside defensive lineman and No. 19 overall prospect. According to 247Sports activities composite, ESPN and Rivals, Lucas is deemed a 4-star prospect and all 3 rankings have him as the No. 1 participant in Arizona.
In the course of his senior period at Chaparral, Lucas tallied 64 tackles, 22. tackles for reduction, 9.5 sacks, two passes defended, one particular compelled fumble and one fumble recovery on the defensive side of the ball. Shining by way of as a portion-time tight end, Lucas also grabbed 6 receptions for 48 yards and two touchdowns even though playing in offense.
Again in July, SI All-American’s John Garcia and Matt Solorio wrote a scouting report about Lucas and how he could suit into a collegiate protection:
Widebody from head to toe. NFL measurement with good composition. Room for a small additional good fat. Good Duration. Solid out on the edge, but might get out-twitched at the future stage. Remarkably coordinated when shifting route. We really like his lateral very first step, due to the fact he doesn’t give any ground when investing gaps. Large, highly effective stepper. His compact style of pass-hurrying suits the inside better than the edge. Locking out blockers was coached into him very well. Can sometimes give up his chest with lower, late punches. Pad level is first rate, angles of pursuit search superior. Displays flashes of go-hurrying brilliance. Eyes can sometimes get dropped in the backfield. Would advantage from more energetic arms when dashing the passer.
Multiple coaches have satisfied with Lucas over the previous 7 days. In addition to Kelly, Alabama’s Nick Saban, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher have all experienced in-residence visits with the remarkably-coveted interior lineman.
With the reduction of defensive line mentor Johnny Nansen to Arizona, it appears as if Kelly has taken on the obligation to recruit defensive expertise on his possess for the time getting.
If UCLA was able to protected Lucas’ determination, he would be their only defensive line commit this cycle and quickly jump incoming freshman limited conclusion Jack Pedersen as the Bruins’ top rated-ranked recruit in the 2022 class.
Lucas designs to announce his commitment on Dec. 15, the initially day of the early signing period of time. Time will convey to if the extremely-ranked defensive recruit picks the blue and gold for his long term, or if he travels east to start his college or university vocation elsewhere.
Observe Royer on Twitter at @thebenroyer
Abide by All Bruins on Twitter at @SI_AllBruins
Like All Bruins on Fb at @SI.AllBruins
Subscribe to All Bruins on YouTube
Read far more UCLA tales: UCLA Bruins on Sports activities Illustrated
Browse extra UCLA soccer stories: UCLA Football on Athletics Illustrated
