UCLA has made steps to bolster it’s defensive unit for the upcoming season.
After weighing offers from over a dozen schools, Gates decided that his future would be guided best as a UCLA Bruin.
The prized defensive back out of Buena Park, California announced his surprise commitment on Monday afternoon.
Gates announced his commitment on Twitter.
#BOOM #UCLA has landed a HUGE commitment in 2017 Buena Park (CA) CB Elijah Gates! Very big pickup for the Bruins. #8CLAP #DBPedigree pic.twitter.com/FNQWqf70jX
— UCLA Recruiting (@UCLA_Recruiting) January 23, 2017
Many believed that Gates would commit to the University of Oregon and join new Ducks defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. It appears that staying home played a larger role then most believed it would. Gates, who stands at a minuscule 5-foot-9, 160-pounds, makes up for his size with his speed.
While not blazing fast, his 40-time clocks at 4.69 seconds which makes him a likely choice to cover slot-receivers in the nickel.
In addition to UCLA and Oregon, Gates had offers from Michigan, Nebraska and Notre Dame to name a few. Considered the 29th best at his position, and 33rd in the highly competitive state of California, this his a huge win for UCLA.
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