UCLA has landed one of the biggest gets in the young Chip Kelly era. Chase Cota, a four-star wide receiver from South Medford, Oregon has signed his letter of intent with UCLA.
The 6-4, 195 wideout committed to UCLA just last week. But, upon his verbal he said he would be signing during the early period. He also has the credits to graduate high school early. He said he plans to enroll at UCLA in January after he plays in the U.S. Army All American Game in San Antonio.
Cota is the #27 ranked high school receiver in the country, and the #144 player overall, according to 247Sports. He is also the second ranked player out of the state of Oregon.
Cota had 16 offers in all, including Alabama, Georgia, USC, Notre Dame and Oregon. His father, Chad played strong safety at Oregon in the early 1990’s. He took official visits to South Bend, and Westwood and an unofficial visit to Eugene. His UCLA visit was back in September when Jim Mora was still the head coach, but the coach heading his recruiting, receivers coach Jimmie Dougherty, is staying on with the new staff.
“I am certainly excited about Chip Kelly getting the job,” Cota told247Sports. “And Coach Dougherty has also been recruiting me the hardest of just about everybody.”
UCLA figures to be deep in numbers at wide receiver next season, losing only Danny Andrews and Eldridge Massington from the regular rotation. Redshirt junior Jordan Lasley has yet to indicate whether he will return. If he leaves, that would leave sophomore Theo Howard as the most experienced returnee. Either way, with his size, speed and 36-inch vertical leap, Cota has a chance to get in the rotation right away.
