Julian McMahan previews UCLA, Oregon State visits, discusses Cal

Monte Vista (California) all-purpose back Julian McMahan is set to visit UCLA this weekend

Monte Vista (California) star Julian McMahan is one of the most powerful running backs on the West Coast in the class of 2025.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound bruiser is rated the nation's No. 13 all-purpose back and has collected double-digit offers.

Hoping to gain a better feel for his options, McMahan has set up a busy visit schedule, and eventually hopes to take trips to nearly 20 programs in the West region.

This weekend, that effort with take him to UCLA for a visit with DeShaun Foster's program.

UCLA's new coach visited McMahan at his school earlier this year, and the big-bodied running back is eager to return the favor.

"I feel like with Coach Foster being head coach and coach (Eric) Bieniemy being (offensive coordinator), the running back position will remain very important within the scheme of the offense," he said. "I like the idea of that. The staff show me a lot of love, which I really appreciate as well."

That's one reason McMahan expects the Bruins to be a "serious contender" to the end.

But they'll have plenty of competition, including Oregon State.

McMahan is set to visit Corvallis on March 15.

"The staff shows me a lot of love," he said. "They communicate with me a lot and really express their want for me to be there. They also have a great game atmosphere and environment, which was cool to see first-hand. Damien Martinez being a bigger back and having major success there stands out to me as well." 

Oregon State's running back tradition is a major plus for the program.

"It helps a lot because I want to go where I will be developed," McMahan said. "Seeing the lineage of running backs that come from Oregon State is very promising." 

A return trip to Cal is another visit the local star is certain to take soon. 

"I like how much support they show me," McMahan said. "Being very close, I have visited a lot and have developed a close relationship with the staff. They have a really nice campus and facilities as well." 

Expect McMahan's recruitment to continue to ramp up and include more schools soon.

As a junior, he rushed for 1,113 yards and 17 touchdowns with an additional 293 yards and three scores on the ground. 

Junior season highlights (offense)