3-star DE Tyler Kiehne commits to UCLA

The Class of 2021 got a big boost on Saturday night as three-star strongside defensive end Tyler Kiehne committed to your UCLA Bruins!

Kiehne is rated as the No. 1 player from the state of New Mexico, according to 247Sports and is a top 100 prospect along the defensive end position for his class. He’s 6’3, 250 pounds and had a dozen scholarship offers to choose from.

Yet, he picked Jason Kaufusi, Chip Kelly and the Bruins over the likes of Arizona, Cal, Utah, Washington State and others.

He can fill in a ton of roles along the defensive line, but according to his comments made to 247Sports, he seems to be pencilled into a pass-rushing role while at UCLA.

“They see me getting after the quarterback and being a high pressure player,” Kiehne told 247Sports. “I was in contact with all the defensive staff and also coach Chip Kelly, but the main coach I was in contact with the most was coach Jason Kaufusi and I really like him. They love my quickness off the ball, my ability to pass rush and they think I can make an impact in the Pac-12 where there are a lot of pass teams. I have a good idea of how they’re going to use me and it all sounds great for me. I can’t wait.”

A season ago, Kiehne had nine sacks and a total of 13 tackles for a loss while at Los Lunas High School and he’s competed at The Opening last summer as well.

The Bruins stay hot on the recruiting trail, you can bet this is a good sign of things to come. Let’s hope Chip keeps it up.

Either way, welcome to Westwood, Tyler!