Mountain Pointe's (Phoenix, AZ) Kenny Lacy verbally commits to UCLA (Video via YouTube)
It looks like UCLA's big win over the weekend is already paying off in recruiting. Coach Klemm and the Bruins got a major verbal commitment this morning: Kenny Lacy, a 6 foot 8 basketball player-turned offensive lineman has committed to UCLA.
Kenny was one of the most prized remaining uncommitted recruits, and one of the top prospects in the class of 2013. Scout.com rates him as the #17 offensive tackle in the class of 2013, as well as first-team All-Arizona and one of the top uncommitted players in the West. Rivals.com also rated him as the #17 tackle, as well as the 3rd best football prospect in Arizona and the #175 recruit in the nation. Both publications consider him a 4-star recruit.
Lacy's top-3 schools included Arkansas and Nebraska in addition to the Bruins, and he will still take a previously scheduled visit to Fayettesville and Lincoln. He also holds offers from schools including Arizona, ASU, Cal, Texas A&M and West Virginia.
Kenny Lacy is the 12th player to commit to UCLA's 2013 incoming class, and crucially, the 5th offensive lineman. His commitment has already gotten the attention of his fellow committed Bruins-in-waiting.
#8Clap ... Kenny Lacy is a BRUIN
— Eddie Printz (@FreshPrintz7) September 10, 2012
#8Clap for our newest #Newbreed member @therealklacy #Bruins babyyyy!
— Christian D. Morris (@iAM_ChrisMorris) September 10, 2012
As well as driving them to work harder in preparation for their time in Westwood.
Just got out of the weight room, saw that @therealklacy committed, knowing that I want to play, went back to the weight room
— sean dowling (@seandowling78) September 10, 2012
Until last fall, Kenny had been playing basketball - at 6 foot 8, not a huge shocker. He has a ways to go as far as bulking up from his current 270 pounds before playing at the D-1 level, but the skills and physical ability are there. A writer from Pros2Preps saw him in action for the first time on Friday night, and was impressed.
It's easy to see why colleges from around the country are scouting this former basketball player who didn’t even begin playing offensive tackle until last season. Watching from the Pride sideline, it’s evident the skills he learned on the hardwood will help him on the gridiron at the next level. He was quick attacking edge-rushers and got downfield quickly on sweeps and screens for a player his size.
Greg Biggins was able to grab a few words with Kenny this morning - from Greg's Twitter account.
"I Ioved it there, I knew it was the perfect place for me, I love coach Klemm, and the education is great" AZ OL Kenny Lacy on UCLA commit
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) September 10, 2012
Welcome to Westwood, Kenny. And...
GO BRUINS!