Four-star makes commitment firm

One of the least known football players who committed to UCLA on what now is known as "Sudden Saturday" was four-star athlete Johnathan Franklin (5-11, 187, 4.4) from Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey. After a stellar senior that saw his tock rise significantly, Franklin became a highly coveted prospect that saw several Pac 10 teams try to wrestle him away from the Bruins.

Franklin took trips to both Cal and ASU, both schools made a strong run for his services, but in the end UCLA was the place for the talented two-way star.

"First to start off UCLA was the first school to spot my talent," Franklin said. "They knew about me as a junior even though I didn't play much due to an injury.

"UCLA offered when they didn't know how my senior season going to turn out," Franklin said. "I say this most humbly they know talent before it emerged.

"I proudly thank Eric Scott," Franklin said. "He made it all happen.

"I also love being part of this incoming UCLA recruiting class," Franklin said. "These guys I'm coming in with really have a passion for football and we're going to win some championships.

"I think with this class we're like a family," Franklin said. "A lot of us have known each other from Pop Warner so we have outstanding chemistry.

"We all get along with each other," Franklin said. "No matter where the player comes from or the race, we are so into being a family. We're a family that has the same goal and that is winning a championship.

"I think with this group we're going to turn UCLA around and win a national championship," Franklin said. "I truly believe that.

"Cal made it tough," Franklin said. "You can't go wrong with Cal academically, but I felt UCLA was a better fit.

"With Arizona State, I loved (ASU WR coach and L.A. recruiter for the Sun Devils) Eric Yarber and it was a nice school, honestly I liked both schools, but in the end UCLA had what I was looking for.

"Rick Neuheisel was a big plus," Franklin said. "He talks about family.

"A team just plays, but a team that is a family can be special. In four years UCLA will win a national championship."