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UCLA football seems poised to have a big recruiting weekend. On Friday, the Bruins picked up a commitment from 4* WR Kyle Phillips, and late last night, added their second commitment of the weekend when 3* RB A.J. Carter announced his commitment via Twitter.
@DeShaunFoster26 @Jim_MoraUCLA @UCLAFootball #8Clap pic.twitter.com/kymqe17kLp
— ️J © ️®TE® (@IAMAJCARTER) April 23, 2017
Carter is a 3-star running back according to 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings, holding that rating with Scout, Rivals, and 247 (I didn’t bother checking ESPN’s rankings because they are hot garbage). Carter’s commitment came while he is currently on a visit to campus.
Carter lists at 6’0”, 220 pounds, and projects as a traditional north-south type of running back. Rated as the #42 RB in the country by 247Composite rankings, scouts really like his ability to gain yards after contact, which has increasingly become a factor UCLA desires in their RBs, considering the continued state of the OL. During his junior year, Carter ran for 2,289 yards (at over 9 YPC) and 41 touchdowns, which are some absolutely insane numbers.
Credit to Carter’s recruitment goes to Deshaun Foster. In an article prior to his commitment, Carter talked about the relationship he has with UCLA’s new RB coach:
While Carter has plenty of options, one school is sticking out the most.
“UCLA,” he said. “Deshaun Foster is the man. He was at Texas Tech and was the first guy to get on me. He says UCLA is a great place to be and he will take care of me if I go there.”
If Carter likes what he sees on that trip out west is there a good chance that he heads back to Louisiana committed to the Bruins?
“Probably so,” he said.
Here is a Hudl video highlight from Carter’s junior year.
Welcome to Westwood, AJ!
Go Bruins!