Future Bruin shows his skills
ORLANDO, Fla. - If there was any questions about ability regarding four-star UCLA commit Akeem Ayers, he answered those at the East Meets West All-American game this past Saturday.
The 6-foot-2, 214-pounder, lining up at outside linebacker, finished the game with eight tackles, including one for loss, and a sack. The Los Angeles (Calif.) Verbum Dei prospect says he was proud of his effort and is ready to take those skills to the Bruins this fall.
Advertisement
"We knew the offense from the East couldn't hang with us if we played hard," Ayers said. "From there, we started to unload. I feel like it was good to showcase me playing outside linebacker.
"I can read the run well and cover the pass. That's my best position."
That's the position Ayers says he'll perform at for UCLA. Playing for the defense and defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker who recruited him, is something that has kept him solid to the Bruins since he committed in August.
"It's that defense man," Ayers said with a laugh after Saturday's game. "The whole setup they have there, with coach Walker, it's great. But, it was also the whole coaching staff. I got along with everybody really well. When you feel comfortable like that, you know it's the right place."
Ayers's West team defeated the East team 35-25 in the East Meets West game. One of the plays that kept the West team on top was a crucial sack on a two-point conversion try from the East team.
"I came from the outside linebacker spot and when the quarterback started to run, I blitzed," Ayers said. "I knew I could get past the tackle and from there, I just had him."