The Orange County Register · Feb 2, 2017
UCLA focuses on defense, offensive line with 18-player recruiting class
View slideshow Buena Park High defensive back Elijah Gates is part of an 18-player UCLA recruiting class that was heavy on defense and offensive linemen. (Photo by Bill Alkofer,Orange County Register/SCNG)LOS ANGELES – As UCLA’s losses piled up during last year’s disappointing 4-8 season and opposing coaches kept pushing for him, five-star defensive end Jaelan Phillips never wavered from his UCLA commitment. The Redlands East Valley High star even helped pull a few more players to Westwood.
And for those recruits who couldn’t get past UCLA’s poor record, Phillips has a simple message:
“You’re going to see next year when we’re winning a Pac-12 championship that you made a mistake,” he said.