BOOM! 3* Defensive Lineman Bryce English Commits to the Bruins

Jim Mora and the UCLA Bruins continued their hot summer with the commitment of 3* defensive tackle Bryce English out of national power DeSoto High School in Texas. English chose the Bruins over Arkansas, TCU and Pac-12 rival Arizona State.

English had previously de-committed from the University of Texas, despite his godfather retaining his role as tight ends coach during the transition from Mack Brown to Charlie Strong. Interestingly, his godfather Bruce Chambers (a supremely qualified coach in his own right) was also the recruiting coordinator under Mack Brown making the de-committment even more unusual to a casual observer.

ESPN has English as a 3* recruit and rated 32nd at his position and 73rd overall in the state of Texas. RIvals also has him as a 3*, but views him a little higher at 22nd at his position and 55th overall in Texas. Scout has him as the 32nd defensive tackle in the country and also as a 3* prospect.

Here are some highlights from English's junior season at DeSoto, where his team went 14-1 and ended up ranked in the top 10 nationally. English had 30 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, which is a ton for an interior lineman at any level.

English is an interesting prospect on tape, showing an uncanny ability to create separation with offensive lineman as soon as he is blocked and a surprising burst off the line. He bounces around the defensive line in the clip above. You can see him playing a little 4-3 defensive end, some 3-technique at defensive tackle, as well as playing some nose tackle, where he'll likely end up at UCLA.

I will have to note that it is unusual for a defensive lineman to be highly recruited to play at the next level while being under 6'.

Is that an arbitrary height? Sure. But UCLA currently has only one DL under 6'3" in former walk-on Zach Vinci (although incoming 4* DT recruit Ainuu Taua is also under 6' and nobody has any qualms saying he'll be impactful in his time as a Bruin). Once English gets into a collegiate lifting program and puts some better weight on his frame, he could end up as a similar player to Se'ali Epenesa (who is currently a New England Patriot and also a little undersized at just 6'1").

Congratulations to Bryce English for making the right choice and to the UCLA coaching staff for continuing to excel on the recruiting trail.

Go Bruins!