UCLA is getting plenty of riches on the defensive side of the ball on National Signing Day. The Bruins have their signed letter from Elijah Wade, a four-star defensive end recruit from Arbor View High School in Las Vegas.
UCLA Gets Four Star Defensive End Elijah Wade
Wade is 6-5, 240 pounds. He played weakside defensive end in high school. His size, agility, and quickness will give new defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro plenty of options in his hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense. His ability to easily shed blocks at the point of impact makes him a viable option as a rushing linebacker on the outside.
He joins fellow four-star defensive lineman Tyler Manoa in what figures to be a young and talented UCLA defensive line. Manoa and Wade join rising sophomores Jaelan Philips and Greg Rogers and rising juniors Boss Tagaloa and Keisean Lucier-South in what is expected to be a versatile and athletic defensive line. Rogers and Wade were high school teammates at Arbor View.
Wade had plenty of options to sign with. He had offers from the likes of Alabama, Michigan, USC, Miami, Notre Dame, and Oregon. He also had Nebraska and Vanderbilt high on his list towards the end. Angus McClure was his primary recruiter for UCLA, (as was the case with Manoa). New linebacker coach Don Pellum jumped in as soon as he was hired in December. Wade made his commitment at the end of January after his in-home visit with new head coach Chip Kelly.
“UCLA was just the best all-around fit for me,” Wade told 247Sports. “They have the tools I need to accomplish my goals both on and off the field. I really like the new coaches they brought in. They brought in a great group that I think can help me throughout my time there.”
