UCLA got some much-needed help on the offensive line with the official signing of Chris Murray. The guard from Mater Dei is 6-3, 300 pounds.
Four Star OL Chris Murray Signs With UCLA
He grades out as the #9 ranked guard in the country according to 247Sports. He also has experience at tackle. The Mater Dei part of the equation is not small. The school was long considered a stronghold for USC. The fact that he excelled on the offensive lines at a school that had was generally regarded as one of the top high school offensive lines in the country makes him a big get for the Bruins. That he plays a position of dire need is even bigger for new coach Chip Kelly, and Hank Fraley, who locked him up.
UCLA has not had significant gains in offensive line recruiting the last four years. They still need more in terms of quality and quantity, but getting Murray is a step. He has very advanced hand and footwork techniques and excels in pass protection. UCLA loses Scott Quessenberry, Najee Toran and Kolton Miller. There is also the need for vastly improved offensive line play, so Murray will have a chance to compete for a starting role as soon as he gets to camp.
Murray had 18 total offers, including most of the Pac 12, TCU, Louisville and Notre Dame. Having narrowed it down to Notre Dame, Stanford and UCLA, he made his commitment announcement at the US Army All American Bowl in San Antonio in early January.
