It's time for another 8 CLAP. Jim Mora's recruiting freight train picked up even more momentum this Monday afternoon when the Bruins received a commitment from a highly coveted Simon Goines from Keller, Texas. Scout.com had the story first. It's confirmed here with the following comment from ESPN's Greg Biggins:
"It was the environment, the coaches and the campus, I just fit in really well there," TX OL Simon Goines on why he's headed to #UCLA
The "mammoth tackle prospect" (as described by Biggins)listed at 6-8, 295 on Scout.com committed to Bruin blue and gold in a closely watched national recruiting battle between UCLA and Missouri. Earlier today Missouri received a commitment from one of the most sought after recruit in the country - WR Dorial Green-Beckham from Springfield, Missouri. DGB's decision seemed to have no impact on Goines.
While Goines is listed a 3 star prospect on Scout.com and Rivals.com, don't be fooled. The kid had offers from over 15 D-1 programs including schools such as Arkansas, West Virginia, Baylor and Mississippi State. What is also interesting is that Goines was also recruited to play hoops by couple of mid major programs such as Western Kentucky and New Hampshire. Missouri apparently also talked to him about potentially playing in its hoops program when he reportedly committed to the Tigers last summer.
At 6-8, 295 Goines may have a good chance to get up to 310/320 range in college. It is kind of fun to think about his upside in Sal Alosi's regimen at UCLA. There seems to be a lot of upside around this kid, which is evident in the boatload of offers from some pretty solid programs.
So Goines is another crucial get for Coach Mora and Adrian Klemm as he will help roundup a pretty solid OL class of Lacy Westbrook, Colby Cyburt, Alex Ceachir and Carl Hulick. BTW Ceachir will reportedly enroll early which should help the staff manage the scholarship numbers for the roster.
Here are some video highlights (no sound) on Goines just mauling people:
Simon Goines Highlights (via 247SportsStudio)
If that wasn't enough for you, here is an extended highlight from his junior season. There is also more film on tWWL.
So with that let's all give Simon a big welcome to Westwood. The week couldn't have gotten off to a better start for UCLA.
GO BRUINS.
UPDATED (N): This doesn't impact Goines but just FYI as noted in the comment thread DGB "commitment" is not a done deal.