See what I did with the headline?! How about that UCLA Marketing?
Anyway, we have some good news to pass on this Sat morning. Coach Jim Mora picked up another commitment last night. Brandon Huffman tweeted last night about Pasadena (Calif.) Muir running back Tairen Owens flipping his commitment from Washington to UCLA. A little more from Huffman:
The three-star Owens was Washington's first commitment in 2012. He was offered by UCLA on Wednesday and committed to the Bruins tonight...
Ouch. The commitment may also hurt the Huskies depth issues given their star RB Chris Polk just declared his intention to jump to the NFL draft. More after the jump.
Jayson Fraychineaud at BruinsBall has more on the commitment:
This commit is interesting for a couple reasons. Owens is the 2nd Washington commit to switch over to UCLA. His main recruiter is new DBs coach Demetrice Martin. Martin (an alum of Muir himself) had a great relationship and extended the offer Wednesday night. Owens decided to stay home and become a Bruin.
Owens at 5'9 165 is absolutely ELECTRIC with the ball in his hands. He ultimately could play a Jamal Miles type role for UCLA with the new spread offense run by OC Noel Mazzone. Owens will definitely bring quickness, speed, and YAC ability to a UCLA team that sorely lacking in every category. More than likely he'll also return punts (and UCLA fans can rejoice at the graduation of Taylor Embree and his 'fair catches'/fumbles).
This commitment represents and illustrates a philosophical change by the staff. As opposed to bringing in kids set at one position, they are effectively bringing in kids that are athletes first and foremost. Bring in a kid with great speed and figure out the position later. Owens has qualities that no other Bruin has (except possibly Jordon James). You can bet he will be utilized on screens, swing passes, reverses, and as a 3rd down change of pace back.
Sounds good to us. To the YouTube we go for some highlights:
More highlights here. You can also check out Owens' scout.com profile here and our full commit list here.
Welcome to Westwood Tairen.
GO BRUINS.
