UCLA Football: Michigan State Commit Offered by Bruins

Whenever Chip Kelly offers a high school prospect, you know it's rather significant.

As has been chronicled by countless media outlets, UCLA is rather choosy when it comes to recruiting high school athletes. The 'Books and Ball' mantra is something he's echoed quite often.

The Bruins don't offer a ton of high school prospects. Kelly and his staff are very meticulous when it comes to scouting for players who fit the program. He has built a culture predicated upon positional versatility, leadership, academics, and character. The relatively small number of high school signees is usually accentuated by larger numbers coming via the transfer portal. It's a unique way to approach recruiting. However, it's one that Kelly seems to be all in on.

Blessed to receive an offer from UCLA!! Thank you @ @UCLAFootball @brian_ohana5 pic.twitter.com/3SI3OBOpfL
— Reggie Powers III (@reggie_powers) September 19, 2023

On Monday, there was a bit of interesting news from a high school recruiting standpoint. UCLA offered 2024 prospect Reggie Powers. A safety out of Ohio, Powers is currently committed to Michigan State.

The timing of this offer is fascinating. UCLA hasn't offered a high school recruit from the 2024 class in months. The last player to receive an offer in this class -- corner Jamir Benjamin -- flipped his commitment to UCLA from Northwestern in the wake of the Pat Fitzgerald firing.

Could we see a similar scenario unfold here? Powers -- also a defensive back -- is a Midwest native just like Benjamin (who hails from Michigan). Both committed to Big Ten schools, Powers is also processing the situation where his future coach-to-be Mel Tucker probably won't be in charge of the Michigan State program next season.

Biggest risers in the updated On300 rankings‼️📈

Read: https://t.co/SZzgLjzu6a pic.twitter.com/KKRERgcRT6
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) September 18, 2023

UCLA pounced on the volatility surrounding Benjamin's pledge to Northwestern and was able to land his commitment earlier this year. While there's no news on whether Powers will follow suit, conventional wisdom states that UCLA probably wouldn't have extended the offer unless there was some real interest coming from the prospect.

Powers -- freshly ranked as a 4-star prospect via On3Recruits -- really does fit the mold of a UCLA player. He's a multi-sport athlete, something Kelly and his staff seek out when recruiting high school prospects. He's also a great student -- evidenced by offers from the likes of Northwestern, Duke, Virginia, and now UCLA.

UCLA also benefits from the impending move to the Big Ten. With half of its games scheduled to be played in the Midwest, it'll make recruiting prospects from this region of the country far easier.

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