Ketchum talks about decision

As expected, Oak Park (Calif.) two way standout Gavin Ketchum has committed to UCLA. Ketchum was cleared academically by the Bruins last Friday and committed to UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell on Sunday.

“There were a lot of reasons for me to commit but the big reason was their loyalty to me,” Ketchum said. “UCLA was the first school to really recruit me. They were the first to write me, call me and to offer me a scholarship. It seems like right after they started to recruit me, a lot of other schools kind of jumped on the bandwagon too.

“I also like all the coaches over there and I’ve been to see them play and practice a lot and I’ve very comfortable with all the players on the team too. It’s a great group of guys over there and I like the team chemistry and how everyone seems to get along really well.”

Ketchum, 6-3, 180 pounds was offered by the Bruins months ago but had to be cleared by the schools admissions board before his offer was really legitimate.

“I was cleared on Friday and really didn’t think it would be a problem,” Ketchum said. “I have a 2.7 GPA and scored a 1090 on the SAT so I felt cool with everything. Right now, I have no idea where I’m going to play and they really haven’t told me. They just said they want me as an athlete and that’s fine with me. Wide out or safety, either is fine. I have no preference and honestly, I couldn’t tell you what side of the ball I’m better at. I’m just excited to have my decision done and out of the way and I feel I made a great choice.”