UCLA Football: The Top Three Most Important UCLA Commits

AllBruins.com analyzes who from the current pool of UCLA commits, regardless of class, are the most vital to the continued success of the Bruins

25th-ranked UCLA is coming off a tough loss to a 15th Oregon State team as they head into their matchup against Stanford. Chip Kelly is in his 6th season as head coach at UCLA, and despite a historically rocky start to his tenure in Westwood, The Bruins have fielded very competitive football teams each of the past two seasons. Kelly is under contract through 2027, and by then, the Bruins will be in their 3rd year in the Big 10 conference. 

AllBruins.com wanted to evaluate what sort of talent Kelly has come down the pike as we attempt to peel back the curtain of UCLA's future now that college football playoffs are virtually out of the question. We came up with three recruits who we think will be the most significant difference makers, taking both short and long-term future into account. 

So, here are the current three most important UCLA Football commits as of October 19th, 2023:

#3: Tustin High School (Tustin, CA) Cornerback Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins

When we evaluated the 5-11, 175-pound Dunbar-Hawkins one thing stood out above the rest. Despite transferring to multiple schools across his four-year high school career, he dominated in every role he was placed in. From Bishop Alemany, to Mater Dei, and now at Tustin, KDH was a lockdown corner. He's comfortable going into new environments and adapting right away. We think he's important to the Bruins because of the impact he could potentially make the day he sets foot on campus at UCLA. 

#2: Mount Tahoma High School (Tacoma, WA) Offensive Tackle Marquise Thorpe-Taylor

The 6-5, 315-pound mauler known as Marquise Thorpe-Taylor has shown he plays up to the level of competition he faces. He has a college-ready frame and plays with the violence and tenacity necessary in division one trenches. Questions this season about the performance of UCLA's offensive line have been raised, and for good reason. The Bruins will need depth in their next season right away, and even though they have had success with finding role players along the offensive line through the transfer portal, that strategy is not sustainable. The best college football programs (Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State) all recruit and develop their offensive lineman. UCLA would do well to follow suit with Thorpe-Taylor, which is why he is the second most important commit in this class. 

#1: Tyler High School (Tyler, TX) Running Back/Athlete Derrick McFall (2024)

Derrick McFall is the most sought-after recruit who is currently committed to UCLA. He is a dynamic big-play threat no matter where he lines up on the field. Nearly half of UCLA's offense are transfers, which at least in part means the Bruins haven't been doing the best job developing their high school recruits. Becoming a place that is known for player development is essential for the long-term success of any program. If they can develop McFall into a three-down running back, not only does it set the tone for future recruits, but it will also help them win games in the Big 10. 

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Bruins!