New Big 10 offer intrigues Princeton commit James Moffat

James Moffat committed to Princeton in September and it looked like his recruitment was wrapped up.

But the Encino (Calif.) Crespi defensive lineman was contacted by UCLA – one of his dream schools this week – and now a trip to an upcoming Bruins’ game is definitely happening before the end of the season.

“On Twitter, coach (Jacob) Sugarman followed me this week with another one of their scouting staff and then they invited me up to a game,” Moffat said.

“I’m going up to a visit at Washington State this weekend so I wasn’t able to go to the Nebraska one but I can make it out to the Washington one. They booked that all for me so I’ll be going up there.”

This all started just days ago with a missed phone call.

“They tried to call me at my practice on Tuesday so I couldn’t pick up so then we talked (Wednesday) morning and coach Sugarman handed it over to the GM (Khary Darlington) and he said they wanted to extend an offer to me,” Moffat said.

“I was pretty hyped about that. It’s a big-time thing for me. It’s UCLA and I’ve grown up in LA and I’ve been here my whole life so it’s been kind of a dream school for me.”

In a unique way, the Crespi standout is also drawn to the Bruins’ current struggles. His high school career started with a winless season and now the team is undefeated and heading to the playoffs.

If anyone knows how quickly a turnaround can happen, it’s Moffat.

“Even with the situation their team is in now, it was a big deal for me,” Moffat said. “I know where their team is at right now and in my high school career, I started off 0-10 and now we’re 10-0 going into playoffs my senior year. I know how fast a rebuild could happen if you do it right.

“The situation they’re in right now, it’s definitely different in college, but I know it can happen fast and I know it can happen if you do it right. I’d be happy to be a part of a rebuild potentially if I do decide to go there.

“It’s not a giant problem to me. I get where a lot of people are coming from though with how it’s been there.”

Here are the next steps: Take the Washington State visit this weekend, then head to UCLA for the Washington game and figure out whether he wants to stick with Princeton or flip his pledge.

Another thing to watch: Since announcing his UCLA offer, Arizona, Arizona State, Washington and three people from Notre Dame have started following him. More options in his recruitment could be coming soon.

“I’ve talked to my dad, we’re in this together, so we’re thinking about making a decision probably in early December if not maybe a little later,” Moffat said. “I’m still committed to Princeton currently but if I’m being totally honest it’s definitely something I’m thinking a lot about right now.”