On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: UCLA trending to land top uncommitted QB
New UCLA football coach DeShaun Foster has wasted no time on the recruiting trail since taking over in February for Chip Kelly after his departure to Ohio State.
While the latter wasn’t known as a particularly enthusiastic recruiter, the former is exactly the opposite. The Bruins have already landed four early commitments since he took over, and they’re looking to reclaim ground on the West Coast from both USC and Oregon.
On Tuesday, they landed one of the nation’s top running backs in Hesperia (Calif.) Oak Hills four-star Karson Cox. And they could be close to another major addition, according to On3’s Chad Simmons.
On Monday, Simmons and On3’s Steve Wiltfong logged picks for the Bruins to land Long Beach (Calif.) Warren four-star quarterback Madden Iamaleava.
“UCLA has been recruiting the No. 135 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking as hard as anyone in recent months,” Simmons wrote in explaining his prediction. “Relationships are in place, trust has been established and Iamaleava has connected with quarterbacks coach Tim White and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Both have NFL experience and that really appeals to Iamaleava.”
Official visit locked in with the Bruins, commitment could be on the horizon
Alabama had the talented signal-caller on campus this spring and the coaches were out to watch him throw recently. USC has been in contact too. Missouri and Nebraska were on his radar too before they added quarterbacks this cycle. But the continued attention from UCLA’s staff since taking over in February looks to be paying major dividends.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder ranks as the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 12 quarterback and No. 12 overall recruit in California. He’s also the younger brother of former five-star recruit and projected Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. After sitting behind his brother at Long Beach Warren, he got his chance to start as a junior last season.
In his first year as a full-time starter, he carved up defenses to the tune of 3,626 yards and 43 touchdowns to just four interceptions, completing 63 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 305 yards and three scores.
He’ll be at UCLA this weekend for his official visit, and a commitment could be coming soon as the Bruins head into the summer recruiting period.
“Madden will commit as soon as he is ready,” one source told Simmons. “They have been through the recruiting process already with Nico, so they have a plan in place and will commit as soon as they find the right fit.”