UCLA beats Michigan State, Penn State and others for 4-star DL Carter Gooden

UCLA has landed a commitment from four-star defensive lineman Carter Gooden out of Tabor Academy in Marion (Ma.). Over 20 schools offered the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder and he chose the Bruins over schools like Boston College, Michigan State, Penn State and Virginia.

“I chose UCLA because of the coaching staff, the chance to play early and the [defensive] scheme they run,” Gooden told Rivals.

The Big Ten program in Westwood came in with an offer a little later than a lot of schools on Gooden’s list. UCLA offered on April 11, but since then, they have recruited him as hard as anyone.

Jethro Franklin led the charge.

“I like the way coach Franklin coaches and the amount of experience he has at the college and the NFL levels.”

Gooden feels he can get developed by coach Franklin and be part of a change on the west coast.

“I like how coach Foster is changing the program. He is all for getting guys to play early and building a winning team.”

It only took one visit to UCLA to show the No. 1 prospect in Massachusetts that it could be home.

“On the official visit, I got a great family vibe and culture from the players and staff,” Gooden said. “That visit made an impact on me because that was the first time I got to see campus, meet the coaches and see how things were run.”