BOOM! 4* Athlete Brandon Burton Commits to UCLA

Why wait until tomorrow?

The Bruins nabbed a top recruit from a traditional Southern Cal stronghold on the night before National LOI Signing Day when they got a commitment from Junipero Serra HS 4* Athlete Brandon Burton.

Burton, who plays both wide receiver and free safety, made his announcement tonight.

4-Star safety Brandon Burton (@BraandonD1) uses a game of paintball to announce his commitmenthttps://t.co/YxfntDgbDJ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 3, 2016

Burton picked the Bruins over national powers including Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and USC. Rivals ranks Burton as the #4 athlete in the state and the #11 recruit in California overall. Scout also ranks him as 4* and the #3 athlete in the state. Demetrice Martin is listed as his primary recruiter.

Burton had visited U.C.L.A. several times but took his official visit last weekend and it paid off for the hosts. Burton talked about his visit with Greg Biggins at Scout:

"I've been up to UCLA multiple times but this visit was cool because I got to spend a lot more time with the players on the team," Burton said. "I got a better feel for what the locker room would be like there and I think UCLA is a situation where I can see myself thrive in.

"I met with all the coaches and they talked about where they see me fitting in. Coach Meat (Martin) said I could have an immediate impact at safety and nickel, Yarbs (Yarber) likes me as an X and Z receiver and Coach Mora said I would have an impact as a leader on the team.

"They said the side of the ball I play more on will be dictated by how well I do and how comfortable I look. I will be playing both ways though and will also be returning punts and kicks so it's a good situation."

And you make a lot more highlights when you star on both sides of the ball...

And his junior year highlights

This is a big boost for the Bruins on the eve of National Signing Day as they continue to add some top flight two way talent to their 2016 class. The coaching staff will have a lot of options how to use Burton's excellent combination of speed and strength and aggressiveness. U.C.L.A. definitely had a big need for defensive backs in this class, so Burton will probably work in early at safety and in nickel packages, and the 2016 class is pretty loaded at receiver already. This is a much needed commitment for Coach Martin and his position group.

Welcome to Westwood, Brandon!

GO BRUINS!