From Greg Biggins recruiting blog at ESPN (not behind paid firewall):

Jerico Richardson (Mission Hills, Calif./Alemany), one of the more underrated defensive backs in California, committed to UCLA on his way to the Bruins' game against San Jose State on Saturday

Richardson camped with the Bruins twice in the summer, working out once at receiver and then later on at corner. He impressed the coaches playing defensive back enough to pick up a scholarship offer just a few weeks later in early August.

"They actually like me for safety," Richardson said. "I thought about committing right when they offered but I decided to wait things out a bit and see where my recruitment was going. I was hearing from a few other schools and Hawaii and San Jose State had also offered but I felt loyal to UCLA since they were the first to offer me.

Jerico becomes the 12th commitment in UCLA's 2012 class. FWIW here is his scout.com profile, according to which his only offer so far is from UCLA. However, according to 247Sports.com, Richardson was generating "warm interest" from Colorado (along with Hawaii, Montana State, and Northern Arizona).

Here is Richardon's highlight tape on YouTube.

We are hoping this is a case of UCLA coaches getting a head start on a local talent before anyone else.

Welcome to Westwood Jerico.

GO BRUINS.