UCLA Football: Highly Decorated SEC Country Safety Officially Visiting Westwood

Can the Bruins add to their secondary depth?

With UCLA losing both of its starting safeties from last year, depth at the position is a bit worrisome heading into the 2024-25 season. 

Kenny Churchwell III graduated, and Kamari Ramsey transferred across town to USC. The Bruins did land a couple of transfer safeties in the portal (Ramon Henderson, Bryan Addison). Yet, there's a general lack of experience within the group. 

In need of an injection of talent within the secondary, UCLA is reportedly pursuing a highly-touted safety from SEC country. 

According to 247Sports and reporter Steve Wiltfong, Atlanta defensive back CJ Heard is slated to officially visit UCLA this upcoming weekend. The 3-star prospect told Wiltfong he's down to UCLA and Colorado. His ultimate choice will be made on Feb. 8. 

CJ Heard, the highest ranked uncommitted S in the Class of 2024, is down to both Colorado and UCLA, via @SWiltfong247 🏈

The former Florida State commit says he is announcing his commitment on February 8.

PROFILE: https://t.co/o08sZGPph6

STORY: https://t.co/1INFBnRHrR pic.twitter.com/ddegcqE2IO

— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 31, 2024

Heard at one time was one of the most heavily recruited players in the entire country. A one-time commitment to Florida State, FSU and Heard parted ways in November. 

The talented defensive back had this to say about UCLA specifically: 

 "I really like UCLA because they have everything I need on and off the field. Good city, good academics, good football. They have a plan for me that I love . Coach (Brian) Norwood is a real good guy that been doing it for 30-plus years!"

- Heard on UCLA

per 247Sports

#UCLA hosting Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy senior safety CJ heard this weekend. More on that and his process heading into a Feb. 8 decision date: https://t.co/YepFigLreB @BlairAngulo @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) January 30, 2024

At 5'11" and close to 200 pounds, Heard is a physical safety with a real knack for coming up in run support and smacking running backs who get to the second level. While he might not be the rangiest player in the world, he has proven himself to be a high-level competitor versus good high school competition.