I don't get it. It seems like UCLA is purposefully avoiding the higher tier recruits. I wonder what their overall strategy is about.
https://mercurynews.com/2018/12/17/football-recruiting-what-to-watch-in-the-december-signing-window/
2. UCLA’s different, although not unexpected, approach.
Biggins indicated that with two exceptions, Bruins coach Chip Kelly is not recruiting the best of the best in Southern California.
UCLA has secured a commitment from San Juan Capistrano’s Sean Rhyan, one of the top offensive line recruits in school history, and is pursuing Mater Dei athlete Bru McCoy.
Otherwise, the Bruins are “barely involved with the elite kids, and that seems to be by design,” Biggins explained.
“They’re going after the mid-level guys and figure they can coach ’em up and development them better … They are staying away from the kids who love themselves.”
Kelly didn’t chase the 4- and 5-stars during his tenure at Oregon, either. He wants deeply-committed, low-maintenance, coachable players who fit his system.
“They’re really low in the rankings because of his philosophy,” Biggins said. “It’s strange to me, but to him, it makes perfect sense. They are actively avoiding highly-rated guys.”