Only UCLA targets on edge defender SI All-American Watch List already out of reach
Cyrus Moss may have narrowed his view to look past the Bruins, but he's still their highest-ranked edge rusher target currently on the market.
Measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Moss came in at No. 13 on SI All-American's top 20 positional watch list for the class of 2022 released Thursday and Friday. UCLA sent an offer to the Bishop Gorman (NV) rush end on Sept. 5, 2020, with outside linebackers coach Jason Kaufusi leading his recruitment.
Moss trimmed his list to 11 on Feb. 21, leaving UCLA on the cutting room floor. His list is down to five as of April 11, with Moss setting his sights on Arizona State, Clemson, Florida, Oregon and Notre Dame. Since then, however, the Bruins have had two different linebackers verbally commit – three-star linebacker-safety hybrid Jalen Woods from St. John Bosco (CA) and three-star outside linebacker DeAndre Gill from Kentwood (WA).
Here's the scouting report on Moss from SI All-American's John Garcia and Matt Solorio:
Moss is the best trench player on a loaded Bishop Gorman defense that will be tested this coming fall with a loaded schedule. He is a towering figure, but still athletic enough to drop into pass coverage. He’s a speed rusher and with the toolset to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s got fantastic bend which is even more impressive given his 77-inch frame. Moss covers a lot of ground in every step but can drop his hips quickly to redirect. He would benefit from more work synchronizing hands with his feet in pass rush. Solid against the run but Moss will be best utilized setting an edge out in space and making plays in the flat. Going to be an asset in pass coverage whether it’s zone, or man-man with tight ends.
Moss is rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN and is a top 100 overall prospect according to all three outlets. He has earned 29 Division-I offers.
Eight of SI All-American's top 20 edge defenders remain uncommitted, but Moss is the only one with a UCLA offer in his pocket. The only other player on the list who the Bruins offered is top-ranked Jeremiah Alexander, who committed to Alabama on July 8.
Here's what Garcia and Solorio had to say about Alexander, who UCLA offered back on Feb. 17:
Alexander is the 2022 classes’ premiere fast-twitch magician off the edge. Apart from first class instincts, he’s a fantastic tackler. He plays with linebacker skills off the edge, but he’s also done heavy damage in between the tackles off stunts. He’s got a natural ability to shed blocks, with that high football IQ to diagnose and attack. Alabama is well positioned to develop Alexander into another tackling machine in that front seven and we could see him being utilized as a packaged pass rusher as well. Perhaps a third down specialist early on in Tuscaloosa, but we think Alexander has got the capability to grow into a true three-down player for the Tide.
Alexander is a five-star recruit according to 247Sports and ESPN, while Rivals gave his a four-star rating.
With Woods and Gill committed, three edge rushers in its incoming 2021 class and rising sophomore outside linebackers Damian Sellers and JonJon Vaughns already on the roster, UCLA didn't need to put a ton of focus on the position in 2022, at least in regards to depth.
None of the top 20 have committed to a Pac-12 school yet, but Arizona State, USC, Oregon and others are still in play for several targets.
Follow Connon on Twitter at @SamConnon
Follow All Bruins on Twitter at @SI_AllBruins
Like All Bruins on Facebook at @SI.AllBruins
